Social Communication Disorder: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment

Treatments for Children

Social Communication Disorder

OVERVIEW

What is Social Communication Disorder?

Social Communication Disorder (SCD), also known as Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder, is a communication disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication. Unlike other types of communication disorders, SCD primarily affects the social aspects of communication, rather than the mechanics of speech itself. Individuals with this disorder struggle to use verbal and nonverbal communication in socially appropriate ways, often facing challenges in understanding social cues, maintaining conversations, and engaging in group interactions.

Social communication is the process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, and feelings with others, and it involves both verbaland nonverbal communication forms. Communication skills are essential for successfully navigating social environments, and deficits in these areas can lead to communication barriers that hinder daily interactions. These barriers may vary from difficulty maintaining eye contact to challenges in interpreting tone of voice or facial expressions.

Early intervention is critical for children with Social Communication Disorder, as it helps improve their communication process and facilitates better social functioning. Understanding the signs, symptoms, and causes of this disorder can help families and educators take appropriate steps toward intervention and support.

Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder vs Autism:

Although Social Communication Disorder shares similarities with Autism, particularly in social and communication difficulties, the two conditions are distinct. Children with Autism often have other characteristics such as repetitive behaviors, sensory processing issues, and restricted interests. Social communication disorder vs autism can be differentiated by the lack of these additional symptoms in children with SCD. The intervention strategies for both conditions differ, making accurate diagnosis essential for appropriate treatment.

My son struggled with making eye contact, taking turns in conversations, and understanding social cues. After starting therapy with 1SpecialPlace, he has shown amazing progress! He now engages better with peers, expresses himself more clearly, and understands emotions much better. We are so grateful for the supportive and patient therapists

Mother of a kid with Social Communication Disorder

Diagnosis

Diagnosing Social Communication Disorder typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). The diagnosis is based on observing a child's behavior, assessing their communication skills, and evaluating their ability to engage in both verbal and nonverbal communication. The process includes a detailed history of the child's communication development and an examination of how the child uses communication in different social settings.

Social Communication Disorder Symptoms include:

Difficulty understanding or following social rules of communication, such as taking turns in conversation
Challenges in understanding nonverbal communication cues, such as facial expressions, gestures, and body language
Difficulty understanding sarcasm, humor, or figurative language
Trouble maintaining a topic of conversation or staying on track during discussions
Struggling to interpret and respond to social cues or emotions of others

The SLP will also assess the child’s ability to use communication tools such as appropriate gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact, all of which are integral to understanding the communication process. It is important to differentiate social pragmatic communication disorder from other communication disorders types, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, as both conditions share overlapping features, but each requires different approaches to intervention.

A few instances of actions impacted by SCD are:

Utilizing polite greetings
Altering tone and manner of speaking according to the situation or the other person
Narrating and comprehending tales
Conversing (e.g., striking up a conversation or joining one, staying on topic, taking turns, being responsive, and giving just the appropriate amount of information)
fixing misunderstandings in communication (e.g., rephrasing as necessary)
regulating interactions by employing suitable nonverbal (such as gestures) and verbal (such as prosodic characteristics) cues
recognizing other people's verbal and nonverbal cues during a conversation
interpreting language that is metaphorical or unclear
drawing conclusions (interpreting material not expressly given); and
establishing and preserving intimate connections.

Risk Factors

While the exact cause of Social Communication Disorder remains unclear, various risk factors may contribute to its development. These can include genetic predispositions, prenatal factors, and environmental influences.

Common Risk Factors include:

Genetics: A family history of communication disorders types or other developmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), may increase the likelihood of developing SCD.
Brain Development: Differences in brain structure or function may impact the development of communication skills. For instance, research suggests that children with SCD may experience delays or abnormalities in areas of the brain responsible for processing social information.
Environmental Factors: Lack of early exposure to rich social interactions, such as reading together or engaging in conversation, may contribute to delays in communication development.
Social and Emotional Issues: Children who face communication barriers in social settings due to environmental factors, such as bullying or social isolation, may develop communication challenges as a result of emotional distress.

Treatment

The treatment of Social Communication Disorder is individualized and depends on the severity of the disorder, as well as the age and developmental stage of the person. Early intervention plays a key role in improving communication skills, especially if it is initiated before the child reaches school age. The primary goal of treatment is to improve the individual’s ability to engage in communication for development, which is essential for academic success, social integration, and emotional well-being.

Treatment Options Include:

Speech Therapy: Working with a qualified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is the cornerstone of social communication disorder treatment. Therapy often focuses on enhancing the child’s ability to use verbal and nonverbal communication appropriately in social settings. An SLP will use specific techniques, such as role-playing, modeling, and structured play, to teach social interaction skills and improve conversation management.
Social Skills Training: This approach involves structured lessons where children practice interacting with others, interpreting nonverbal cues, and learning how to appropriately respond in various social scenarios. Social communication disorder activities like group discussions, cooperative play, or video modeling can provide a safe space for practicing communication forms.
Parent Training: For children with SCD, parents often need guidance on how to support the development of communication skills at home. This includes creating a language-rich environment, providing positive reinforcement, and helping children with the communication objective of initiating and sustaining conversations.
Technology and Communication Devices: In some cases, communication tools like augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices may help children with severe communication difficulties. These devices assist in expressing thoughts, feelings, and ideas when verbal communication is limited.

Tips for Parents

Supporting a child with Social Communication Disorder requires patience, understanding, and consistent practice. Here are some tips for parents to help their children improve their communication skills:

Create a Communication-Friendly Environment:
Encourage open communication in everyday situations. For example, make time for conversations during meals, car rides, and other daily routines. The more exposure children have to communication processes, the more they will learn how to interact with others.
Focus on Nonverbal Cues:
Since children with SCD often struggle with understanding nonverbal communication, help them by modeling appropriate gestures, facial expressions, and body language. For example, show them how to make eye contact during a conversation, and point to objects while describing them to reinforce visual cues.
Use Visual Supports:
Visual aids, such as picture cards, charts, or social stories, can help children understand social norms and expectations. These visual supports can be used to explain communication barriers types, such as how to appropriately greet someone or take turns during a conversation.
Practice Social Skills in Real-Life Settings:
Encourage your child to participate in group activities, such as playdates, community events, or after-school clubs. These settings offer valuable opportunities for practicing communication skills and learning how to navigate social situations.
Be Patient and Consistent:
Children with SCD may take longer to develop communication skills, so it is important to be patient and celebrate small successes. Consistency is key to helping children internalize the social communication skills they are learning.