The Autistic Spectrum Semantic Pragmatic Disorder
Children with SPD find it more difficult to extract the central meaning or the saliency of an event. They tend to focus on detail instead, for example:
they may, find the duck hidden in the picture, but fail to grasp the situation or story in the picture, or point out the spot on your face before saying hello.
Current thinking is that children with SPD have many more problems than just speaking and understanding words; the underlying difficulty may be in the way they process information.
What is SPD?
Often associated with the autistic spectrum disorders, semantic pragmatic disorder (SPD) is a communication difficulty, usually identified between 18 months and 2 years. Semantic refers to the meanings of words and sentences and pragmatic to understanding language in context.
Recognising SPD
Typically a child has good hearing, but few if any real words, and has problems with comprehension (but responds well to speech therapy).
By school age the child appears ‘different’ – sometimes appearing to follow very little conversation, while at other times giving a detailed explanation of an event.
Difficulties associated with SPD
- Frequently they will have difficulty in processing all the information from a situation
- will have problems understanding when and how to speak and respond appropriately, often with little regard to others.
- In school they are often good at maths, science and Information and communications technology (ICT), but have great difficulty in writing a coherent sentence or playing with other children.
- May have difficulty with sharing and taking turns.
- Can appear aggressive, selfish, bossy, over-confident, shy or withdrawn.
- In school, they may be misdiagnosed as children with behavioural problems.
Further reading
The Autistic Spectrum - Pervasive Developmental Disorder
ASD - Asperger's Syndrome And Autism
Help and advice
Statutory Assessments And Statements Of SEN
National Curriculum And P-levels For Children With SEN
Moderate Learning Difficulties - MLD
Severe Learning Difficulties - SLD
School choice
Inclusion And Mainstream Schooling
SEN Admission To Independent School
Unit and Resourced Provision For SEN
Choosing A School: First Steps For SEN
Choosing A School For SEN - On A Visit
16+ College Options For Young People With SEN
Classroom Help For Children With SEN
Special Schools Reviewed By The Good Schools Guide
The Good Schools Guide - Special Educational Needs 2008
Therapy
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