Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder
Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder (SPCD) is marked by challenges in communication, including verbal and non-verbal communication in social situations. Those with social (pragmatic) communication disorder struggle with using language for purposes, like understanding and participating in conversations. They face difficulty interpreting non-verbal cues and problems adjusting their speech according to social situations.
Symptoms of Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder
The symptoms of Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder may occur in problems in social communication.
Conversational Challenges
People with SPCD face difficulty in initiating or maintaining conversations in social situations. They may face problems in turn-taking in conversations, which may result in pauses or only one-sided conversations.
Understanding Non-Verbal Cues
Non-verbal communication involves facial expressions, body language, gestures, and tone of voice, which all are crucial for social interaction. People with SPCD face difficulty interpreting these non-verbal cues, as it becomes hard for them to understand the emotions behind facial expressions.
Adjusting Communication to the Context
Adjusting communication according to the context is also a crucial factor of social communication. People with SPCD struggle with adjusting their language based on the situation and purpose of interaction. It becomes difficult to understand for them that there should be differences in communication with friends and professional settings.
Understanding Humor and Figurative Language
Understanding humor and figurative language also plays a role in social communication. People with SPCD face problems with interpreting humor, idioms, sarcasm, metaphors, and other figurative language.
Difficulty with Perspective-Taking
People with SPCD may not understand other's perspectives, which results in difficulty in empathizing. Difficulty understanding others' perspectives impacts relationships and difficulty in social interactions.
Impact on Daily Life
SPCD can impact a person's various aspects of life such as school, work, and relationships. Children with SPCD may face problems while interacting with peers, which can lead them to social isolation. Adults with SPCD may face challenges in the workplace, where communication is vital and can affect work performance. It is essential to recognize and address early to enhance effective communication and lead a fulfilling life.
Risk Factors for Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder
While the exact cause is not fully understood, various risk factors can play a role in the development of SPCD.
Genetic Factors (Genetic factors play a role; people with a family history of speech or language difficulties are more likely to develop SPCD).
Neurodevelopmental Factors (SPCD may be associated with abnormalities in brain development which may affect language and social communication. Traumatic brain injury may contribute to an increased risk of developing it.
Co-occurring Conditions (Co-occurring conditions such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, anxiety disorders, or learning disabilities may also contribute to increasing the risk of developing it).
Other Factors (Hearing loss, traumatic brain injury, premature birth, and low birth weight are the factors that may increase the likelihood of developing it).
Note: Not all of these risk factors can lead to the development of SPCD but they may increase the risk of developing Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder.
Management of Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder
Speech therapy and other techniques such as social training skills can help enhance social communication skills.
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech and language therapy aims to focus on improving a person's ability to use language in social situations. Speech-language pathologists help with developing social communication skills such as turn-taking in conversations, understanding non-verbal cues, and adjusting the speech based on the social conditions.
Social Skills Training
Social skills training can contribute to helping people with SPCD enhance their skills in how to interact in social situations. It can also help enhance the skills such as making eye contact, interpreting other's emotions, and body language. Group therapy sessions provide an opportunity to practice these skills for practical experiences. Group therapy provides a supportive environment to engage with peers and enhance learning.
Strategies to Help Children with SPCD
Role-Playing
Positive Reinforcement
Social Stories and Visual Support
Breaking Down Complex Conversations
Supportive Environment for Practice
Seeking Professional Help
The diagnosis can be made by a mental health professional such as a Speech-language Pathologist (SLP) and it is crucial to consult with a mental health professional for the management. Speech-language pathologists (SLP) can work with parents and teachers to develop specified strategies for helping children in daily surroundings.
Final Thoughts
Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder is a condition that impacts a person's social interaction. With early management and support social communication skills can be improved. Speech therapy by a speech-language pathologist can work on enhancing the skills needed for social interaction effectively.