Building Social Skills: How Speech Pathologists Support Children with Social Communication Disorder

Therapy session

Social Communication Disorder (SCD) is a condition that affects the way individuals use verbal and nonverbal communication in social contexts. Children with SCD may have trouble understanding the rules of conversation, interpreting body language, or using appropriate social responses. Speech pathologists play a vital role in assessing and supporting individuals with SCD to improve peer relationships, classroom participation, and everyday communication.

What Is Social Communication Disorder?

SCD is characterized by difficulties with:

• Using language for different social purposes (e.g., greetings, asking questions)

• Changing communication style based on context (e.g., talking to a teacher vs. a friend)

• Following rules of conversation (e.g., taking turns, staying on topic)

• Understanding nonverbal cues such as tone of voice, facial expressions, and gestures

It differs from other communication disorders because it specifically impacts the social use of language, not the structure of language itself.

Signs of Social Communication Disorder

• Difficulty joining group play or conversations

• Challenges making or keeping friends

• Trouble understanding jokes, idioms, or sarcasm

• Speaking in overly formal or inappropriate ways

• Literal interpretation of language

SCD may occur on its own or alongside conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, or language impairment.

How Speech Pathologists Assess Social Communication

Speech pathologists conduct thorough assessments using:

• Observations during play or conversation

• Parent and teacher interviews

• Standardized social communication assessments

• Language sample analysis

This information helps develop a targeted therapy plan tailored to the child's unique needs.

Therapy Approaches for Social Communication Disorder

1. Direct Social Skills Training

Speech pathologists use structured activities to teach specific skills such as:

• Turn-taking

• Topic maintenance

• Interpreting facial expressions

• Making appropriate comments or responses

Therapy may include games, role-play, videos, and worksheets.

2. Group Therapy Sessions

Social groups allow children to practice skills with peers in a supportive environment. Activities may include cooperative games, storytelling, and collaborative tasks.

3. Visual Supports and Social Stories

Visual schedules, cue cards, and social stories help children understand social expectations and reduce anxiety in new situations.

4. Pragmatic Language Modeling

Therapists model and prompt the appropriate use of language during structured and unstructured interactions. Emphasis is placed on reinforcing successful communication.

5. Collaboration with Teachers and Families

Speech pathologists work with educators and parents to reinforce skills across settings. Strategies are shared to support consistency in real-world social situations.

Case Study Example

Ava, age 7, had difficulty making eye contact, starting conversations, and responding appropriately to questions. Her speech pathologist provided one-on-one sessions focusing on turn-taking, nonverbal communication, and role-play. Ava then joined a social group, where she practiced these skills with peers. Over time, Ava became more confident and socially engaged.

When to Seek Help

If a child struggles to form relationships, misunderstands social cues, or avoids communication, a speech pathology evaluation can help identify and address SCD.

Final Thoughts

Social communication is essential for connection, learning, and emotional well-being. With individualized support from a speech pathologist, children with Social Communication Disorder can gain the tools they need to thrive in social settings, build friendships, and express themselves effectively.