Social Communication Disorders

Social communication is the use of language in social contexts. It encompasses social interaction, social cognition, pragmatics, and language processing.

Social communication skills include the ability to vary speech style, take the perspective of others, understand and appropriately use the rules for verbal and nonverbal communication, and use the structural aspects of language (e.g., vocabulary, syntax, and phonology) to accomplish these goals.

SOCIAL COMMUNICATION BENCHMARKS

Consider cultural and linguistic factors that may influence appropriateness and/or relevance of benchmarks.

Table based on information from Gard, Gilman, & Gorman (1993) and Russell (2007).

TheraPlay is our social language group, designed for children ages two-six years old. Goals for children participating in TheraPlay include:

• Experience positive, meaningful social experiences

• Strengthen the child’s communication, through peer interactions

• Expand play skills by building on the child’s natural interests and strengths

• Discover common interests to forge peer relationships

• Increase flexibility and attention within a group setting

• Increase peer awareness and empathy