Trouble sémantico-pragmatique : Syndrome ou Symptôme ?

Objectives Semantic-pragmatic disorder affects the use of language in a social context. However, therapists do not agree upon whether semantic-pragmatic disorder belongs to the autism spectrum or if it is an entirely separate condition. Rapin and Allen first defined semantic-pragmatic disorder (SPD) in 1983 as a language disorder. Confusion surrounds the use of diagnostic terminology in the area of SPD, where neurology, psychology, psychiatry and speech and language therapy converge. Nowadays, the most common definitions of SPD are: language impairment; manifestation of an autistic spectrum disorder; disorder between language impairments and autistic spectrum disorders; multiple complex developmental disorders. Recently DSM-5 has identified a new diagnosis called social communication disorder. This category 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 as well as problems with inappropriate responses in conversation. The disorder limits effective communication, social relationships, academic achievement, or occupational performance. This paper discusses the characteristics of semantic-pragmatic disorder as well as social communication disorder and how to manage them. Its goal is to sensitize children psychiatrists and children psychologists about this problem, to arrive at a more precise diagnosis and to prescribe more accurate treatments.