Social (pragmatic) communication disorder

Social (pragmatic) communication disorder
Other namesSPCD
SpecialtySpeech–language pathology
SymptomsImpaired social relatedness, verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and semantic language skills

Social (pragmatic) communication disorder (SPCD), also known as pragmatic language impairment (PLI), is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in the social use of verbal and nonverbal communication. Individuals who are defined by the acronym "SPCD" struggle to effectively indulge in social interactions, interpret social cues, and may struggle to use words appropriately in social contexts.

This disorder can have a profound impact on an individual's ability to establish and maintain relationships, navigate social situations, and participate in academic and professional settings.

While SPCD shares similarities with other communication disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it is recognized as a distinct diagnostic category with its own set of diagnostic criteria and features.

It has only been since 2013 that SPCD has become its own category in the DSM-5.[1] In creating this new category, it allowed individuals to be considered affected by a form of communication disorder distinct from PLI and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).[2] SPCD lacks behaviors associated with restrictions and repetition which are seen in ASD.[3]

  1. ^ Mandy, William (2017-10-01). "Evaluating social communication disorder". Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. 58 (10): 1166–1175. doi:10.1111/jcpp.12785. hdl:1983/7cc49c4c-6e32-4231-929e-b2efc8705b05. PMID 28741680. S2CID 33830045.
  2. ^ Baird, & Norbury, G., & C.F (2015). "Social (pragmatic) communication disorders and autism spectrum disorder". Archives of Disease in Childhood. 101 (8): 745–751. doi:10.1136/archdischild-2014-306944. PMID 26699538. S2CID 10329682.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ Norbury, Courtenay F. (2014). "Practitioner Review: Social (pragmatic) communication disorder conceptualization, evidence and clinical implications". Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. 55 (3): 204–216. doi:10.1111/jcpp.12154. PMID 24117874.