What Is Social Communication?

Social communication refers to how we use communication within social situations.
It involves much more than speaking. Social communication includes:
  • Starting conversations
  • Taking turns during conversations
  • Listening to others
  • Understanding body language
  • Reading facial expressions
  • Understanding tone of voice
  • Recognising emotions
  • Understanding social rules
  • Adjusting communication for different situations
  • Building and maintaining friendships
Social communication skills develop gradually throughout childhood and continue developing into adolescence and adulthood.
What Are Social Communication Difficulties?

Social communication difficulties occur when a child experiences challenges understanding or using communication effectively in social situations.
Children may know many words and speak clearly but still find social interactions difficult.

Social communication difficulties can affect:
  • Friendships
  • Classroom participation
  • Group activities
  • Family interactions
  • Community participation
  • Emotional wellbeing
  • Confidence
These challenges can vary significantly between children.
Examples of Social Communication Difficulties

Every child is different, but common examples may include:
  • Difficulty starting conversations
  • Difficulty maintaining conversations
  • Talking mostly about preferred interests
  • Difficulty taking turns during conversations
  • Missing social cues
  • Difficulty understanding humour or sarcasm
  • Interpreting language very literally
  • Difficulty understanding emotions
  • Limited use of gestures
  • Difficulty adjusting communication for different situations
  • Challenges making or maintaining friendships
  • Difficulty joining group activities
Some children may appear shy or withdrawn, while others may be highly social but struggle to navigate social interactions successfully.
Common Signs of Social Communication Difficulties

Children experiencing social communication difficulties may:
  • Prefer talking to adults rather than peers
  • Struggle to make friends
  • Have difficulty keeping friendships
  • Avoid group activities
  • Misinterpret social situations
  • Frequently interrupt conversations
  • Have difficulty staying on topic
  • Miss non-verbal communication cues
  • Struggle to understand jokes or figurative language
  • Find social situations confusing or overwhelming
The impact varies depending on the child's strengths, communication style and support needs.
Social Communication and Autism

Social communication differences are commonly associated with autism.
Autistic children may communicate, interact and interpret social information differently from their peers.
Examples may include:
  • Different approaches to conversations
  • Differences in eye contact
  • Difficulty interpreting facial expressions
  • Challenges understanding unwritten social rules
  • Preference for specific topics of interest
  • Different ways of expressing emotions
It is important to recognise that social communication differences do not mean a child lacks interest in relationships or friendships. Many autistic children want meaningful connections but may communicate and interact differently.

​Our approach is neurodiversity-affirming and focuses on supporting participation, understanding and authentic communication rather than encouraging children to mask who they are.
Social Communication and ADHD

Children with ADHD may also experience social communication challenges.
Difficulties may occur because of:
  • Impulsivity
  • Inattention
  • Working memory differences
  • Emotional regulation challenges
Children with ADHD may:
  • Interrupt conversations
  • Miss social cues
  • Change topics quickly
  • Have difficulty waiting their turn
  • Struggle to follow group conversations
These challenges can affect friendships and participation even when strong language skills are present.
What Is Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder?

Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder (SCD) is a condition involving difficulties using communication appropriately within social situations.
Children with SCD may experience challenges with:
  • Conversation skills
  • Understanding social rules
  • Non-verbal communication
  • Understanding figurative language
  • Adapting communication to different situations
Unlike autism, SCD does not include the restricted or repetitive behaviours associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
A comprehensive assessment can help determine the most appropriate diagnosis and support pathway.
How Social Communication Difficulties Affect Friendships

Friendships rely on many social communication skills.
Children may need to:
  • Start conversations
  • Join games
  • Understand social expectations
  • Negotiate disagreements
  • Share interests
  • Read social cues
Children experiencing social communication difficulties may find these situations more challenging.
As a result, some children may experience:
  • Friendship difficulties
  • Social isolation
  • Reduced confidence
  • Anxiety in social situations
  • Challenges participating in group activities
Support can help children develop skills, confidence and positive social experiences.
How Social Communication Difficulties Affect School
​
Social communication skills are important for learning and participation at school.
Children may experience difficulties with:
  • Group work
  • Classroom discussions
  • Following social expectations
  • Understanding teacher instructions
  • Asking for help
  • Building peer relationships
  • Participating in playground activities
Social communication differences can affect both academic participation and social wellbeing.
How Speech Pathologists Assess Social Communication

A Speech Pathology assessment may explore:
  • Conversation skills
  • Friendship skills
  • Social interaction abilities
  • Non-verbal communication
  • Language skills
  • Play skills
  • Emotional understanding
  • Classroom participation
  • Parent and teacher observations
Assessment helps identify strengths, support needs and recommendations for intervention.
How Speech Pathologists Help Children Develop Social Communication Skills

Speech Pathologists provide support tailored to each child's individual communication profile.
Intervention may focus on:
  • Conversation skills
  • Turn-taking
  • Friendship skills
  • Understanding emotions
  • Problem-solving social situations
  • Understanding body language
  • Understanding facial expressions
  • Flexible communication skills
  • Social confidence
  • Self-advocacy skills
Support may occur through direct therapy, parent coaching, school collaboration and everyday practice opportunities.
Supporting Social Communication Development at Home

Parents and caregivers play an important role in developing social communication skills.
​Helpful strategies may include:
  • Encouraging shared interests
  • Practising conversations
  • Reading books about emotions and friendships
  • Talking about social situations
  • Role-playing social scenarios
  • Supporting participation in activities aligned with your child's interests
  • Modelling respectful communication
Children often learn social communication skills best through meaningful and enjoyable everyday experiences.
When Should Parents Seek Support?

It may be beneficial to seek support if your child:
  • Has difficulty making or maintaining friendships
  • Struggles with conversations
  • Frequently misunderstands social situations
  • Has difficulty understanding social cues
  • Appears isolated from peers
  • Experiences challenges at school related to social interaction
  • Becomes frustrated during social situations
  • Has communication differences that are impacting participation
Early support can help children better understand social situations, develop communication skills and participate more confidently in everyday life.
Steps for Parents: Addressing Suspected Social Communication Difficulties

1. Observe and Document
Keep track of situations where your child experiences challenges with conversations, friendships or social interactions.

2. Speak with Teachers and Caregivers
Gather information about how your child interacts across different environments.

3. Encourage Social Opportunities
Provide opportunities for play, shared interests and positive social experiences.

4. Arrange an Assessment
A Speech Pathology assessment can help identify strengths, support needs and recommendations.

5. Participate in Intervention
Parent involvement often plays an important role in supporting social communication development.

6. Monitor Progress
Review goals and celebrate successes as your child develops new skills and confidence.
​
7. Support Authentic Communication
Focus on helping your child communicate effectively and comfortably rather than expecting them to communicate exactly like others.
Social Communication Support Across Western Australia

Belong Health provides Speech Pathology services for children experiencing social communication difficulties across Perth, Mandurah, Rockingham, the Peel Region and regional Western Australia.

Services may be provided in homes, schools, childcare centres, community settings and via telehealth.

Our team works alongside families, educators and support networks to help children develop communication skills, build relationships and participate confidently in everyday life.

Have a question? or need more information

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us a message

    Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions - Social Communication Difficulties

What is social communication?
Social communication refers to how we use language, facial expressions, gestures, body language and other communication skills to interact with others in social situations.

What are social communication difficulties?
Social communication difficulties occur when a person has challenges understanding or using communication appropriately in social situations. This may affect conversations, friendships, play, classroom participation and social relationships.

What is the difference between social communication and language?
Language refers to understanding and using words, sentences and meaning. Social communication refers to how language and non-verbal communication are used in social situations. A person may have strong language skills while still experiencing difficulties with social communication.

What are examples of social communication skills?
Examples include:
  • Starting conversations
  • Taking turns during conversations
  • Maintaining topics
  • Understanding body language
  • Recognising facial expressions
  • Understanding humour and sarcasm
  • Making and maintaining friendships
  • Adjusting communication for different situations

What are some signs of social communication difficulties?
​Signs may include:
  • Difficulty making friends
  • Challenges maintaining conversations
  • Limited use of gestures
  • Difficulty understanding body language
  • Difficulty interpreting facial expressions
  • Taking language literally
  • Difficulty understanding jokes or sarcasm
  • Challenges with turn-taking

What does social communication disorder look like?
Children with social communication difficulties may:
  • Have difficulty making friends
  • Struggle to maintain conversations
  • Miss social cues
  • Take language very literally
  • Interrupt others frequently
  • Have difficulty understanding humour or sarcasm
  • Find group interactions challenging

What causes social communication difficulties?
Social communication difficulties may be associated with:
  • Autism
  • Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
  • ADHD
  • Hearing differences
  • Learning difficulties
  • Intellectual disability
  • Anxiety
  • Neurological conditions
Sometimes social communication difficulties occur without a clear underlying diagnosis.

What is Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder?
Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder (SCD) is a condition involving difficulties using language appropriately in social situations. Individuals may have challenges with conversation skills, understanding social rules and interpreting non-verbal communication.

What is the difference between autism and Social Communication Disorder?
Both conditions may involve social communication differences. However, autism also includes restricted or repetitive behaviours, sensory differences and specific patterns of interests. A comprehensive assessment can help determine the most appropriate diagnosis and support pathway.

Can a child have social communication difficulties without autism?
Yes. Social communication difficulties can occur alongside ADHD, Developmental Language Disorder, hearing differences, learning difficulties and other developmental profiles. Some individuals experience social communication challenges without meeting the criteria for an autism diagnosis.

Is social communication difficulty always autism?
No. While many autistic individuals experience social communication differences, social communication difficulties can also occur alongside ADHD, Developmental Language Disorder, hearing differences and other developmental profiles.

Why do autistic children experience social communication differences?
Autistic children may communicate, interact and interpret social information differently. These differences can affect understanding social cues, conversations, non-verbal communication and social expectations.

At what age can social communication difficulties be identified?
Some signs may be observed during the preschool years, while others become more noticeable as social demands increase during primary school and adolescence.

How do social communication skills develop?
Children typically develop social communication skills through everyday interactions, play, family conversations, peer relationships and participation in community activities.

How do social communication difficulties affect friendships?
Children may find it difficult to:
  • Start conversations
  • Join group activities
  • Understand social expectations
  • Resolve disagreements
  • Maintain friendships over time

How do social communication difficulties affect school?
Social communication skills support:
  • Classroom participation
  • Group work
  • Following instructions
  • Peer relationships
  • Understanding teacher expectations
Difficulties may affect both learning and social participation.

Can ADHD affect social communication?
Yes. Children with ADHD may miss social cues, interrupt conversations, struggle with turn-taking or have difficulty maintaining attention during social interactions.

Can anxiety affect social communication?
Yes. Anxiety can impact confidence, participation and willingness to engage in conversations or social situations.

How are social communication difficulties assessed?
Assessment may involve:
  • Parent interviews
  • Observation of communication skills
  • Standardised assessments
  • Teacher feedback
  • Speech Pathology assessment
  • Psychology assessment where appropriate

How can Speech Pathologists help with social communication?
Speech Pathologists can support:
  • Conversation skills
  • Social interaction skills
  • Understanding social cues
  • Friendship skills
  • Problem-solving during social situations
  • Non-verbal communication skills

What social communication goals might be worked on in therapy?
Goals may include:
  • Starting conversations
  • Taking turns
  • Staying on topic
  • Understanding emotions
  • Reading facial expressions
  • Understanding humour
  • Developing friendship skills

Can social communication skills be taught?
Yes. Many social communication skills can be explicitly taught, practised and strengthened through everyday interactions, structured activities and Speech Pathology intervention.

Can social communication skills improve?
Many children develop stronger social communication skills when provided with appropriate support, opportunities for practice and individualised intervention.

How can parents support social communication development at home?
Parents can help by:
  • Modelling conversations
  • Practising turn-taking
  • Reading stories together
  • Talking about emotions
  • Role-playing social situations
  • Supporting participation in activities aligned with the child's interests

Do social communication difficulties affect adults?
Yes. Social communication differences can continue into adolescence and adulthood, although many individuals develop strategies and supports that help them navigate social situations successfully.

Can social communication therapy be provided through telehealth?
Yes. Many social communication goals can be effectively supported through telehealth, particularly when parent coaching and real-life practice opportunities are incorporated.

Is support available through the NDIS?
Some individuals may be eligible for NDIS-funded Speech Pathology supports depending on their circumstances and eligibility criteria.

When should I seek support?
It may be beneficial to seek support if social communication differences are affecting friendships, participation, confidence, learning or daily interactions.
Related Resources

Speech Pathology Services
Autism Resources
ADHD & Development
Learning & Participation
Additional Supports

Let's Work Together

​Referrals to Belong Health
We are Medicare and Private Health fund registered for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology.

EPC/Team care arrangements/Chronic disease (CDM) or GP management plans and self-referrals are all acceptable.

WA NDIS Registered Provider  

Accessing our Perth services

Medicare
You can get a referral from your/your child’s GP for OT on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan this gives you 5 sessions for OT per calendar year with a $53 rebate available on each session or a Helping Children with Autism/PDD/ or an eligible disability package (20 sessions between allied health professionals, as set up by a Paediatrician/Psychiatrist) which gives your child under 16 years a $75 rebate per session for the 20 sessions, you can use up to 10 sessions per Health Professional (up to 10 for OT) and you will need a separate referral letter from your child’s Paediatrician for each Allied Health Professional you are seeking services from. 
Private Health
Your Private Health fund may cover up to 75% of the cost of OT sessions if this is included in your cover, be sure to call them or check your policy for details.

No referral or self referral
You do not require a referral for accessing OT
NDIS Registered Provider
We are an NDIS Registered Provider
Whether you or your child have NDIS funding that is NDIS Managed, Third Party Plan Managed or you are Self-Managing your funds, you are able to use your funding to cover the full cost of therapy services plus travel costs. You will need provide us with your/your child’s NDIS number and plan details ahead of your first session. Once you have booked a session or contacted us, our team will be in touch to discuss our service agreement and provide you with our services price list. 

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