Social communication disorder (SCD) is a condition that makes it hard to talk with other people. It’s not a problem with speech. It’s also not a problem with the mechanics of language, like pronouncing words and using grammar. 

SCD impacts a specific area of language called pragmatics. This is the use of language in social interactions. 

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Social communication disorder is a brain-based condition –  where the brain hasn't developed in a neurotypical way. 

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People with SCD have trouble following the “rules” of spoken communication. They may take over conversations and interrupt a lot. Some say things that are off-topic. Others hesitate to talk at all.

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These challenges make it hard to connect with people — at school, on the job, or in social settings, and that can take a toll on self-esteem.

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SCD is a lifelong condition.

 

It’s not clear what causes it, and often occurs with other conditions and challenges. These include autism, trouble with reading, and language disorders. 

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SCD isn’t related to intelligence. People who have it are just as smart as other people, but it can create challenges at school, at work, and in everyday life.

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There is no known cause, however, a child is at higher risk if there is a family history of autism, other types of communication disorders, or a specific learning disability. 

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In 1983, Rapin and Allen suggested the term "semantic-pragmatic disorder" They referred to a group of children who presented with mild autistic features and specific semantic pragmatic language problems. 

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Prior to the release of the DSM-5, there was debate over the relationship between semantic-pragmatic disorder and autistic disorder, as the clinical profile of semantic-pragmatic disorder is often seen in children with high-functioning autism.

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The inclusion of SCD into DSM-5 sends a signal that SCD is a valid disorder that can cause significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

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People with SCD may also struggle with talking about emotions and feelings, and have problems with staying on topic. 

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Social communication problems are a hallmark symptom of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), however, SCD can occur in individuals who do not meet the diagnostic criteria for ASD.

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Why do people have social pragmatic communication disorder/SCD? While the exact cause is unknown, some researchers believe that SP/CD may have a genetic component. It may also run in families who have a history of pragmatic language difficulties.

 

People with SCD and ASD have more than social communication difficulties; ASD also includes restricted or repetitive behaviours. Because it is considered part of an autism diagnosis, SCD cannot be diagnosed alongside ASD. However, it is important to rule out ASD before diagnosing SCD.

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Growing up as an aspie/SCD kid in the seventies and eighties in Britain - no one had heard of autism (outside of psychiatry circles). Of course, those of us who are Aspie/SCD  just knew we felt different and saw the world differently from our peers.

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So, in the 1980s, in the average British household, few people had heard of autism. (The film Rainman didn’t hit cinemas until 1989, and it was probably the first time many people had any kind of awareness about autism).

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Few people knew of dyslexia; and anyone perceived as being different, whether due to perceived sexuality, neurodiversity or otherwise, was subject to widespread disrespect or ridicule.