What can cause Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder in children?

Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder is primarily characterized by significant difficulties in the social use of verbal and nonverbal communication. A child with this disorder may struggle to understand the nuances of social interactions, such as modifying their speech based on the context, understanding implied meanings, or regulating their communication based on social cues.

Difficulty understanding social contexts is a core feature of this disorder. Children with such challenges often have trouble with aspects like turn-taking in conversation, knowing how to appropriately greet someone, or understanding when and how to initiate communication. These social deficits are what differentiate Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder from other communication disorders, as the focus is on the pragmatic aspects of communication—the ability to effectively use language in social situations.

In contrast, high intelligence does not inherently lead to communication challenges, nor does frequent overstimulation directly cause this specific disorder. Rapid emotional changes might influence how a child communicates, but they are not a direct causal factor of Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder itself. Thus, recognizing the specific difficulties in understanding social contexts is crucial for identifying and diagnosing this disorder in children.