Social pragmatic communication disorder

This diagnosis code signifies a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent difficulties in the social use of verbal and nonverbal communication. Individuals with this condition struggle with understanding and following social rules of communication, adapting communication to context, and understanding non-literal language.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates significant impairment in social communication skills that are not better explained by low cognitive ability or other neurological conditions. This diagnosis is typically made by a speech-language pathologist, psychologist, or psychiatrist based on clinical assessment and observation.

• Ensure documentation explicitly differentiates this from autism spectrum disorder, as these conditions have distinct diagnostic criteria.
• Look for specific examples of pragmatic communication deficits, such as difficulty taking turns in conversation, understanding sarcasm, or adjusting speech for different listeners.
• Do not use this code if the patient has a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome or autistic disorder, as indicated by the Excludes1 note.