Social communication is the use of language in social contexts. It encompasses social interaction, social cognition, pragmatics, and language processing.
Social communication disorder is characterized by difficulties with the use of verbal and nonverbal language for social purposes. Primary difficulties are in social interaction, social cognition, and pragmatics. Social communication disorder may be a distinct diagnosis or may co-occur with other conditions, such as
- intellectual disability
- developmental disabilities
- learning disabilities
- spoken language disorders
- written language disorders
- attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- traumatic brain injury (pediatric and adult)
- aphasia
- dementia
- right-hemisphere damage
(American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, n.d.)
Treatment
Social communication treatment is designed to
- capitalize on strengths and address weaknesses related to underlying functions that affect social communication
- facilitate the individual’s activities and participation in social interactions by helping the individual acquire new skills and strategies
- modify contextual factors that serve as barriers and enhance facilitators of successful communication and participation
Treatment strategies for social communication disorder focus on increasing active engagement and building independence in natural communication environments. (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, n.d.)
Therapy Groups: Social communication therapy groups, social communication therapy summer camp
Additional Resources
ASHA: Social Communication Disorder
Reference
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). Social Communication Disorder. (Practice Portal). Retrieved November 29, 2021, from www.asha.org/Practice-Portal/Clinical-Topics/Social-Communication-Disorder/