Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder (SCD)Laura Justus BA, B.Ed., OCT

SCD is characterized by a persistent difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication that cannot be explained by low cognitive ability. Symptoms include difficulty in the acquisition and use of spoken and written language as well as problems with inappropriate responses in conversation. The disorder limits effective communication, social relationships, academic achievement, or occupational performance. Symptoms must be present in early childhood even if they are not recognized until later when speech, language, or communication demands exceed abilities.

Definition

"Social Communication Disorder: Parents Seek Guidance." Autism Speaks. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Oct. 2015. .

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Characteristics

As an individual with Social Communication Disorder I may:

Have difficulty interacting with peers and/or adults Violate conventional conversational rules Have limited eye contact Interrupt frequently Make odd, irrelevant comments Repeat content Confuse listeners Have poor topic maintenance Dominate conversations Violate others personal space Be unable to interpret and use non-verbal cues

Pragmatics refers to the understanding and use of social language. It may include eye contact, topic maintenance, turn taking, and/or the appropriate use of social cues. The following characteristics may indicate that a child is having difficulties with social language.

"Communication Disorders Handbook." Student Support Services. Ontario Ministry of Education, 1994. Web. 23 Oct. 2015. .

As an educator you may want to consider that students with Social Communication Disorder may benefit from direct instruction in the social aspects of conversational language. Teaching conversational skills includes covering:

Turn-taking Recognizing and responding to a topic Ensuring clarity of your part of the conversation Requesting clarification Topic transitions and time factors Terminating a topic

Educational Considerations

"Communication Disorders Handbook." Student Support Services. Ontario Ministry of Education, 1994. Web. 23 Oct. 2015. .

Strategies & Additional Information

Augmentative And Alternative Communication (AAC)supplementing, or using in the absence of, natural speech and/or writing with aided (e.g., picture communication symbols, line drawings, Blissymbols, and tangible objects) and/or unaided (e.g., manual signs, gestures, and finger spelling) symbols. Aided symbols require some type of transmission device; unaided symbols require only the body to produce.

Computer-Based Instructionthe use of computer technology and/or computerized programs to teach social skills and social understanding.

Video-Based Instructiona form of observational learning in which video recordings of desired behaviours are observed and then imitated by the individual (also called video modelling).

Happy

"Social Communication Disorders: Treatment." Social Communication Disorders: Treatment. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2014. Web. 28 Oct. 2015. .

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