Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder is a new diagnosis found in the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).  The diagnosis is characterized by a persistent difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication that cannot be explained by low cognitive ability.

Symptoms include difficulty in the acquisition and use of spoken and written language and inappropriate responses in social situations.

Because this is a new diagnosis, many people expressing these symptoms were previously diagnosed differently, possibly as PDD-NOS.

As the primary symptoms are practically similar to those found in Autism Spectrum Disorder, and as there is little scientific research available yet, training for students diagnosed with SCD will follow proven techniques developed for those with ASD.