Hi there, my name is Kailey. At 16 years old (I am 18 now), I was diagnosed with Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder, or what I call: SCD. This is my story as to how and why I was diagnosed... When I was younger, I was diagnosed originally with A-typical Autism... I also have a fully diagnosed Autistic older brother. Now, to my knowledge, Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder is not a form of Autism, then again I could be mistaken, so do not take my word on it. For most of my childhood, I was content with my original diagnosis. Though as I matured, I started to observe how different my brother  was than me. (Not saying that is a bad thing, I love my brother to bits!) However, when I hit my pre-teens, I did not feel like A-Typical Autism, was the right diagnosis anymore. I started feeling ashamed of myself for feeling this way, since my doctor had to have diagnosed me with this, for a reason, right? Well, it was not until my grandmother passed away, that I started searching for a second opinion. After many tearful and awkward sessions, my doctor started to diagnose me with other disorders such as: Anxiety and Depression. When I brought up my original diagnosis, she was shocked because, to her I did not show any signs of any form of Autism. So after many questions and a screening process, the results came in. I was no longer diagnosed with Autism, although I did show many similarities and signs of Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder. When she first read out that diagnosis to me, I kind of froze... I did not know what to say, other than: "What does that mean, exactly?" So she began to explain to me the definition, as well as the common symptoms, and treatments associated with the disorder. Luckily for me though, most of the treatment I have already gone through, due to my prior diagnosis in my childhood years... Which is why I am still thankful, that even though Autism was not the correct diagnosis, I still got the help I needed. I still struggle to this day, but I would say that the obstacles have been easier to jump over, with the help I have recieved. Ultimately I hope this helps those out there, who are either diagnosed with SCD, or undiagnosed, that they are not alone! Also if you feel like something is not right with your original diagnosis, chances are, you are not crazy! :) Stay positive, and search for a second opinion, since second opinions, never hurt!

Note: The definitions, symptoms and treatments, are not exactly what she told me word for word, she explained it in much simpler terms... I just got this from a website, that explains it much better than I can. Which is a lot similar, to how she explained it to me.This is the website: https://www.healthyplace.com/neurodevelopmental-disorders/communication-disorders/what-is-social-pragmatic-communication-disorder/ 

The Definition Of Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder: The American Psychiatric Association added a new diagnostic category to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) called Social Communications Disorder (SCD). SCD involves an impairment of communication in natural social settings. People with Social Communications Disorder have problems using verbal and nonverbal communication and cues. This has a detrimental effect on their social relationships.

Symptoms, Causes of Social Communication Disorder

The symptoms of Social Communication Disorder begin to show up in early childhood and can cause problems in social, academic, and occupational areas. Challenges in these areas cause anxiety and may result in isolation and exclusion from participation in social situations.

Symptoms of SCD include:

• Problems using communication (verbal and nonverbal) in social situations


• Challenges adapting communication style to fit the context or the style of people the person communicates with


• Problems following social rules like taking turns during conversation


• Difficulty understanding implied messages

Treatment of Social Communication Disorder

Treatment for people with Social Communication Disorder will likely be similar to interventions used for Asperger's Syndrome (which is no longer a diagnosis included in the DSM-5). Effective treatment will use the child's natural interests as a foundation. Ideally, the mental health professional will develop a therapeutic strategy that meets the specific needs of the individual child. A typical program might include:

• Training in social skills that teaches the child skills they need to engage successfully with other children in social situations


• Cognitive behavioral therapy to help those with more anxiety and intense emotions manage their feelings better and cut back on repetitive behaviors and obsessive interests


• Medication for any co-existing conditions like anxiety or ADHD


• Occupational therapy for children with sensory integration issues


• Speech and language therapy for children with pragmatic speech problems (i.e. learning to take turns in conversations)


• Training and support for parents

There's no cure for Social Communication Disorder, but with effective treatment, children with SCD can learn to overcome many of their problems, but many may continue to find certain social situations challenging. They will need to practice using the skills and tools they learn in therapy to get them through the more difficult encounters.