Social Communication Deficits

Communication is not only about being able to pronounce words and put them in the correct order, it is a social phenomenon, and as a society we have rules and conventions that govern how we are supposed to communicate with each other (this area is called "pragmatics"). For example, taking turns, making eye contact, not being overly familiar etc

When these rules and conventions are broken, we often feel uncomfortable. Think about the sorts of things do people do that make it difficult to sustain or carry on a conversation with someone? What makes you feel uncomfortable during a conversation?

After a TBI a person may have difficulty following the social rules and conventions of communication, even if they are able to pronounce words and use the correct grammar.

Problems can include:

• Poor eye contact
• Inability to take turns
• Difficulty initiating conversation
• Interrupting others
• Talking too much
• Getting stuck on a topic (perseveration)
• Going off the topic without finishing the idea (tangential)
• Not listening to others
• Using too much gesture
• Lack of facial expression, flat affect
• Standing too close
• Not taking the hint to finish the conversation
  
  

  Pragmatics

  Re look at David's video again and brainstorm ideas about his social communication skills.