SPCD is a communication barrier that can adversely affect social interactions.
Social
pragmatic communication disorder (SPCD) refers to the significant challenges of
nonverbal and verbal communication skills used in social settings.
Difficulties
in social communication may be related to other communication disorders.
However, as of 2013, SPCD has now considered its own category as defined in the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
SPCD is
also thought to be separate from certain neurodevelopmental disorders that may
also affect communication skills, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Read on
to learn more about SPCD, including symptoms, treatments, and how it differs
from or is related to other disorders that may affect communication skills.
What is Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder (SPCD)?
Newly
added to the communication disorder section of DSM-5, SPCD refers to the
"major deficiencies" in verbal and nonverbal communication used in
social situations.
These
difficulties may include:
- Improper communication in certain social
environments
- Difficulty socializing with language
- Do not know how to use and understand
verbal and nonverbal prompts
- Lack of understanding of non-written
languages
Symptoms of social pragmatic communication disorders
The
type and intensity of SPCD symptoms may vary from person to person. Here are
just some signs of SPCD:
- Difficulty adapting communication skills
to different social contexts, such as greetings and initiating
conversations
- It is not possible to switch between
formal and informal languages
- Problems that arise in turn during
conversations
- Difficulty in using nonverbal
communication skills in social interactions, such as eye contact and
gestures
- Difficulty understanding non-written
language, such as inferences, satire, metaphors, and idioms in
conversation
- Make and/or make friends
The
appearance of one or more of these symptoms does not automatically mean that
you have an SPCD. To be diagnosed with this communication disorder, the DSM-5 Notes symptoms must be severely
disturbing:
- Interpersonal relationships
- Your social skills
- Work
- Schools
How is social pragmatic communication disorder different from
autism?
Starting
with DSM-5, SPCD is considered a different disease than ASD.
Some of
the symptoms of SPCD appear to overlap with those associated with ASD,
including those formerly known as Asperger's syndrome. A 2017 study also concluded that SPCD does
not appear to be distinct from ASD, but may include common features.
However,
DSM-5 has classified SPCD in its own category because those are not caused by
any other underlying developmental disorder or medical condition.
Communication
difficulties that may arise in ASD include:
- Seems to be a "lack of
attention" in social interactions
- Difficult to have back-and-forth conversations
- Talk to others without giving them a
chance to respond
How is social pragmatic communication disorder different from
ADHD?
SPCD
may sometimes be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD). Although ADHD may cause some communication difficulties, its causes and
effects are different from SPCDs.
Communication
difficulties that can occur in ADHD include:
- Over-talking
- Inability to focus on the person you are
talking to
- Disturb other people's conversations
- Interrupt other people who may be talking
to you
- Can't wait for your turn to speak
Why do people have socially pragmatic communication barriers?
Although
the specific cause is unknown, some researchers believe that SPCD may have a
genetic component. It may also occur in families with a history of pragmatic
language difficulties.
Some
signs of SPCD may overlap with neurodevelopmental disorders. These include ASD
and ADHD.
Before
the separate classification of DSM-5, SPCD was considered to coexist with ADHD and other
genetic or neurological disorders.
However,
DSM-5 considers SPCD to be a barrier in its own right. This means that it is
not caused by ASD, ADHD, or any other neurodevelopmental condition.
Children
must have time to fully develop their language skills before the SPCD is
detected. Therefore, the diagnosis of SPCD should wait at least until 4 to 5 years of age.
Can you prevent social pragmatic communication disorders?
Since the exact cause of SCPD is not known, there are no known precautions.
However, early screening is key to starting treatment and delivering better
outcomes in relationships, work, and school.
Other researchers have raised concerns about
one of the SPCD diagnostics and neurodevelopmental disorders, as affected
people may not be able to access the services they need in schools and clinical
settings.
What are the common risk factors for developing social pragmatic
communication disorders?
SPCD
may run in the home. Other risk factors may
include the potential for:
- ADHD
- Intellectual or developmental disorders
- Other language barriers
- Learning disabilities
- Hearing loss
- Traumatic brain injury
- Dementia
Seek help with social pragmatic communication barriers
If you
or your loved one needs help with social pragmatic communication barriers, many
professionals can help you get started, including:
- Primary care physician or pediatrician
- Teacher
- Daycare center
- Local health departments
Depending
on insurance requirements, you can also contact the Private Speech Therapist's
Office directly for an assessment and assessment.
How is social pragmatic communication disorder treated?
Treatment
of SCPD focuses on language therapy provided by a speech-language pathologist
(SLP). SLP services are available for eligible school children, and you can
also get speech therapy in a private clinic.
While
one-on-one lessons for individuals are essential, group therapy can also help
improve socially practical skills. Group therapy is also used in school
settings. Some private practices may also offer group social skills classes.
Before
you begin treatment for SPCD, you must be screened and evaluated by a
professional such as SLP. These assessments can be in schools, private clinics,
or both.
They
will use the following combinations:
- Interview (with yourself or your parents,
depending on your age)
- Questionnaire
- Self-assessment
- Teacher's or caretaker's report
- Hearing test
What is the outlook for people with social pragmatic
communication disorders?
Through
early detection and treatment, the prospects for SPCD are positive. You may
want to take a speech therapy and/or social skills course for the long term for
the best results. Teens and adults may benefit from the Life Skills Group.
SPCD
itself can be lifelong, and some symptoms improve over time. It is also
important to monitor progress to prevent any regression. However, with early
treatment, social communication skills may be improved, reducing the need for
intervention.
Conclusion
SPCD is
a communication barrier that can adversely affect social interactions. While
many of its symptoms may overlap with neurodevelopmental disorders such as
ADHD, DSM-5 considers SPCD to be its own condition. It is also considered a
different disease from ASD.
While
it is important to test spend for early intervention, you should not diagnose
the condition yourself. If you suspect that you or someone you love is having
trouble communicating socially, consult your doctor for help with the next
steps.