Semantic Pragmatic Disorder

[mummy2aaron]

My ds age 4 in Jan has a dx of asd. I actually think he has spd. I am floundering with the whole thing really, is it important that he has the correct dx? - will it affect the help and support he gets. He seems to be coming on so well - speech & communication-wise, he had about 2 words this time last year and now he speaks in sentences of around 6 words and has started using me, you, he, she etc. If he just had a communication disorder this would be great but it's all the other things too. I don't know much about spd but from what I have googled it is Jack to a tee.

There is a major crossover between spd and Aspergers/HFA.
Where I live the term spd has been phased out as they believe it to be an asd. I have read loads as this is what originally my dd was dx with 4 yrs ago.
There is a great article somewhere discussing the crossovers. I'll be back later with a link!

I just need to 'know' iyswim. The more info I have, the more I can help and understand him.

Hi there my 15 yr old son has a dx of semantic pragmatic communication disorder ,he was re assesed to check to see if diagnosis should be changed to Aspergers but it was decided his dx was correct ,he came on leaps and bounds after doing long stints in speech therapy ,but he still has his problems with abstract things he has come on alot but i can also see alot of autistic traits in him (my daughter has severe autism ) indeed spd is on the spectrum some disappeard like hand flappin and the constant need to be on the move he still needs support now and has some anxiety issues but hes a great lad and tries so hard i do look at him sometimes and still see parts of his behaviour that mirrors my daughters ,anyway im waffling now feel free to contact me if you wish

Great article for you to read here

The Good Schools Guide SEN section has a neat thumbnail summary of SPD:

"Child appears 'different', sometimes appearing to follow very little conversation while at other times giving a detailed explanation of an event. Often good at maths, science and ICT but has great difficulty in writing a coherent sentence or playing with other children. Unable to share or take turns, can appear aggressive, selfish, bossy, over-confident or shy or withdrawn."

This describes my 7.5yo ds (who has a "working hypothesis" of SPD but no formal diagnosis) very well - though I would say that he's not "unable" to share or take turns - it's more that he can only do those things confidently when he's in a situation he knows - ie, he's fine when playing a card game. The writing and playing with others are also fine when it's a very familiar setting, but he's completely at sea (eg) trying to join a group playing football.

I've had him described as "arrogant" or "selfish" too, when it's a case of him just not knowing how to choose words or tone to fit the situation.

There's a researcher called Nicola Botting who focusses on this area, who might be helpful in suggesting where to look further.

Bink that very much sounds like my Jack.

I will read both links when they are in bed - quieter lol.

Thanks for the info - the Health Visitor was here today and asked me what spd was so at least someone in rl is interested.