Social communication or pragmatic deficits can be defined as an individual’s ability to initiate, interpret and/or respond to verbal and non-verbal communication in real-life situations.
In summary, it’s what we say, how we say it and if it’s appropriate given the situation.
People with social communication deficits may have normal to superior intelligence, yet have tremendous difficulty relating to others and determining an appropriate behavior based on the speaker or situation. The effects on peer relationships, school success, behavioral control and success in the workplace cannot be overstated.
Pragmatics involves three major communication skills:
using language for different purposes
changing language according to the needs of a listener or situation
following rules
Challenges:
Initiation
Turn-taking
Awareness
Humor
Body language
New perspectives
Abstract thinking
Topic maintenance
Interest in others
Many people with social cognitive impairments fall into medical diagnoses of:
Autism Spectrum Disorder/Aspergers
Pervasive Developmental Disorder
Nonverbal Learning Disorder
ADHD
Recovery from a right-sided stroke
Traumatic brain injury
Therapeutic activities are designed to teach social rules and appropriate behaviors, foster social interactions and offer guidance to the client and family. Therapy may include computer and video-based instruction.
