People with Social Communication Disorder (SCD) can have verbal and nonverbal communication difficulties, making it tough to navigate social situations. Here are some common signs of SCD:
Symptom |
Description |
Difficulty Initiating Conversations: |
Struggles to start or maintain discussions with others. |
Challenges with Non-Literal Language: |
Difficulty understanding jokes, sarcasm, idioms, or figurative language. |
Trouble Interpreting Social Cues: |
Difficulty in reading facial expressions, tone of voice, or body language. |
Limited Eye Contact: |
Often avoids eye contact during conversations. |
Topic Management Issues: |
Difficulty staying on topic or switching subjects abruptly. |
Turn-Taking Problems: |
Struggles to take turns during conversations. |
Repetitive or Unusual Language Use: |
May use repetitive phrases or uncommon words. |
Social Relationship Difficulties: |
Difficulty forming and sustaining friendships or relationships. |
Lack of Information Sharing: |
Shows disinterest in sharing personal experiences or information. |
Instruction Comprehension Challenges: |
Struggles to understand and follow instructions or rules. |
If you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone you know, it may be helpful to seek out the support of a speech-language pathologist or other professional. With the right help, individuals with SCD can improve their communication and social skills and lead fulfilling lives.
This post was originally published on April 4, 2023. It was updated on Jan. 3, 2024.