Social Communication
Social communication is the language that we use in social situations. Social communication work is similar to the services we offer for social skills, however the difference is that social communication is specifically associated with a new DSM - 5 diagnosis: Social Communication Disorder. At Well Said: Toronto Speech Therapy we work with adults diagnosed with Social Communication Disorder and with clients who struggle with social communication weaknesses.
Social Communication Disorder
Social Communication Disorder is an impairment of pragmatics (use of language) and is diagnosed based on difficulty in the social uses of verbal and nonverbal communication in regular communication contexts. The effects of these limitations on social relationships and discourse comprehension, cannot be explained by a language disorder or general cognitive ability.
“Persistent difficulties in the social use of verbal and nonverbal communication as manifested by all of the following:
- Deficits in using communication for social purposes, such as greeting and sharing information, in a manner that is appropriate for social context.
- Impairment in the ability to change communication to match context or the needs of the listener.
- Difficulties following rules for conversation and storytelling, such as taking turns in conversation, rephrasing when misunderstood, and knowing how to use verbal and nonverbal signals to regulate interaction.
- Difficulties understanding what is not explicitly stated (e.g., making inferences) and non-literal or ambiguous meaning of language (e.g., idioms, humor, metaphors, multiple meanings that depend on the context for interpretation).
The deficits result in functional limitations in effective communication, social participation, social relationships, academic achievement, or occupational performance, individually or in combination.
The onset of the symptoms is in the early developmental period (but deficits may not become fully manifest until social communication demands exceed limited capacities).
The symptoms are not attributable to another medical or neurological condition or to low abilities in the domains of word structure and grammar, and are not better explained by autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability (intellectual developmental disorder), global developmental delay, or another mental disorder.
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Our Approach
At Well Said: Toronto Speech Therapy, we have the experience and dedication to help you achieve measurable results and improved social communication that you can use in your real life. Using an evidenced-based and adult-centric approach, we will work with you, using the latest research to achieve your social interaction goals.
Our services are covered by most workplace and education insurance plans. Try our "Is Social Communication Work for Me?" self-reflection tool below to discover how you might benefit.
Is Social Communication Work for Me?
Try our new self-assessment tool by clicking on the box below. A box will open with a series of questions that will help you decide if this work is right for you.
The Steps
Determine your goals
Complete a social skills assessment to determine which skills you wish to improve and develop.
Learn the skills
We will systematically work on the skills identified as weaker in the assessment and track your improvements.
Practice and apply
When you are ready we will apply the trained social skills in real life. Through step-by-step practice, you will notice measurable improvements in your social interaction.