
Dr Sathiya Ganesan’s
True communication is more than speaking — it’s about truly connecting with others.
Communication is not just about words — it’s about connecting, understanding, and building relationships. Children with Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder (SPCD) may struggle with the social rules of language, affecting friendships, learning, and emotional well-being.
At Dr. Sathiya Ganesan’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Centre, we specialise in nurturing the skills children need to communicate confidently, meaningfully, and joyfully.
Understanding Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder
Helping Children Find Their Words — and Their Friendships.

Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder (SPCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition where a child struggles with the social use of verbal and nonverbal communication. Unlike Autism Spectrum Disorder, SPCD primarily affects communication skills without broader repetitive behaviors or restricted interests.
Key difficulties may include:
- Knowing how to use language differently based on context (e.g., talking to a teacher vs. a friend)
- Following conversational rules (e.g., taking turns, staying on topic)
- Understanding implied meanings, humour, or nonliteral language (e.g., sarcasm, idioms)
- Making and maintaining friendships
Children with SPCD often experience social isolation, frustration, and academic challenges if left unsupported.
Common Signs of Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder
Children with SPCD may show:
- Difficulty adapting language style across situations
- Struggles with storytelling, explanations, or conversations
- Literal interpretation of language; difficulty understanding jokes or sarcasm
- Trouble following the flow of conversations (taking turns, staying relevant)
- Social awkwardness or difficulty making friends
- Challenges interpreting nonverbal communication like facial expressions or tone of voice
Recognizing these challenges early allows for targeted interventions that can transform a child’s social world.
Building Social Bridges: Our Specialised SPCD Care Approach
Comprehensive, Child-Centered Evaluation
Accurate identification of SPCD requires detailed assessment. Dr. Sathiya Ganesan collaborates with expert speech-language pathologists and psychologists to conduct:
- Language and communication skill assessments
- Social interaction evaluations
- Cognitive and pragmatic language testing
- Classroom and home behavior observations
Our evaluations are sensitive to the unique ways each child communicates and connects.
Guiding Families and Schools with Knowledge and Heart
Parents and teachers are vital partners in a child’s communication development. Dr. Sathiya Ganesan provides clear, supportive education about SPCD, offering practical tools and strategies for promoting successful communication at home, in school, and in the community.
Building Social Bridges: Our Specialized SPCD Care Approach
Our therapy and intervention plans focus on real-world communication:
- Pragmatic Language Therapy to teach conversational skills, turn-taking, and topic maintenance
- Social Skills Groups to practice communication in peer settings
- Role-Playing and Video Modeling for real-life social situations
- Perspective-Taking Exercises to understand others’ feelings and thoughts
- Emotion Recognition and Expression Training
- Parent-Led Social Coaching Programs for reinforcement at home
Therapies are fun, interactive, and designed to build practical skills that open doors to friendship, learning, and emotional well-being.
Thoughtful Medication Management When Needed
SPCD itself is not treated with medication. However, if co-occurring conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or mood challenges impact a child’s social engagement, Dr. Sathiya Ganesan carefully evaluates medication needs, always prioritizing minimal intervention and maximum holistic support.
Creating Communication-Rich Environments
We guide families and educators in building environments that encourage healthy communication — using open-ended questions, giving children space to express themselves, modeling social interactions, and creating structured opportunities for social practice.
Integrated Care for Associated Emotional and Developmental Challenges
Many children with SPCD also face challenges like anxiety, ADHD, or learning difficulties. Our integrated care ensures that emotional, behavioral, and academic supports are combined with communication interventions for whole-child healing and success.
Key Highlights of Our Social Communication Disorder Care
At Dr. Sathiya Ganesan’s Center, we offer:
- Precise, Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Evaluations
- Specialized, Real-Life Focused Communication Interventions
- Empowerment of Families and Teachers for consistent support
- Emphasis on Social Confidence and Emotional Understanding
- Long-Term Development of Meaningful Relationships and Self-Expression
We don’t just teach language — we open the doors to meaningful connection.

Why Choose Dr. Sathiya Ganesan?
- Extensive Expertise in Neurodevelopmental and Communication Disorders
- Individualized, Child-Focused Therapy Plans
- Holistic Support for Emotional, Behavioral, and Academic Success
- Strong Family Engagement for Real-Life Progress
- Commitment to Lifelong Social Confidence and Independence
Ready to Begin the Healing Journey?
Children with Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder have the potential to build rich, fulfilling relationships and succeed socially and academically when supported early and thoughtfully. At Dr. Sathiya Ganesan’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Center, we are dedicated to unlocking each child’s ability to connect, share, and thrive — one word, one smile, and one friendship at a time.
At what age can Social Communication Disorder be diagnosed?
SPCD is typically diagnosed after the age of 4–5 years when social communication demands increase and difficulties become clearer.
How is SPCD different from Autism Spectrum Disorder?
While both can affect communication, Autism also involves restricted behaviors and interests. SPCD mainly affects the social use of language without broader autistic traits.
Can SPCD be outgrown?
With early, consistent, and specialized intervention, many children significantly improve their social communication skills and develop confidence in social settings.
What therapies are effective for SPCD?
Pragmatic language therapy, social skills groups, role-playing, and parent training are highly effective approaches.
Does SPCD affect academic performance?
Yes. Communication difficulties can impact participation, group work, comprehension, and written expression, making academic support crucial.
How can parents support children with SPCD at home?
Engaging in daily conversations, practicing social stories, modeling turn-taking, teaching emotions, and celebrating communication successes are key strategies.