Social (pragmatic) communication disorder
| Social (pragmatic) communication disorder | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Pragmatic language impairment, semantic-pragmatic communication disorder |
| Specialty | Speech–language pathology, neuropsychology |
| Symptoms | Impaired social relatedness, verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and semantic language skills |
| Usual onset | Childhood |
| Differential diagnosis | Autism spectrum disorder |
Social (pragmatic) communication disorder (SPCD), also known as semantic-pragmatic communication disorder, or pragmatic language impairment (PLI), is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in the social use of verbal and nonverbal communication. Individuals with 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.
SPCD was granted its own category in the DSM-5 in 2013. The creation of this new category allowed individuals to be considered affected by a form of communication disorder distinct from autism spectrum disorder (ASD). SPCD lacks behaviors associated with restrictions and repetition which are seen in ASD.