Social Communication | Speech Pathology Adelaide
Social communication is essential in our daily lives, allowing us to build relationships, navigate social situations, and engage with the world around us. However, for some individuals—such as those with autism, ADHD, or other neurological differences—social communication may not always follow typical patterns.
At Thrive Health Therapies, we take a neuro-affirming approach to social communication, recognising and respecting diverse communication styles while providing tailored support to help individuals connect in ways that feel natural to them.
What is Social Communication?
Social communication refers to the skills and abilities we use to interact and engage with others. This includes:
Verbal Communication: The words we choose and how we use them in conversation.
Non-Verbal Communication: Gestures, facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice.
Pragmatics: The social rules of language—such as turn-taking, interpreting sarcasm, or understanding unspoken cues.
Contextual Understanding: The ability to adapt communication to different social situations, recognising who we’re talking to and the appropriate way to interact.
Some individuals may find aspects of social communication challenging, while others may have unique strengths in these areas. Rather than viewing differences as deficits, it is important to recognise and support each person’s individual communication style.
Why is Social Communication Important?
Effective social communication helps individuals build relationships, succeed in education and work environments, and participate fully in their communities. The ability to connect with others is a foundational skill in almost every area of life. Social communication is crucial for:
Building Relationships: From friendships to professional connections, communication forms the basis of our social bonds.
Academic Success: Students use social communication to ask questions, engage in discussions, and work collaboratively in group settings.
Workplace Interactions: In the workplace, effective communication is key to teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership.
Self-Advocacy: Social communication allows individuals to express their needs, set boundaries, and seek support when needed.
However, traditional expectations of social communication—such as maintaining eye contact, following unwritten social norms, or understanding sarcasm—can often create challenges for some individuals who experience the world differently.
Supporting Social Communication
Supporting individuals with social communication differences requires strategies that are flexible and adapted to their needs. Some effective approaches include:
Social Scripts and Role-Playing: For individuals who may struggle with social cues, therapists can introduce social scripts—pre-planned dialogues or scenarios that help guide interactions. These scripts can be practised through role-playing to build confidence in real-life situations. It’s important that these strategies are tailored to the needs of each person.
Visual Supports: Many individuals, particularly those with autism, benefit from visual aids that provide structure and predictability in social situations.
Self-Advocacy Training: Encouraging individuals to recognise and express their social communication needs is a key aspect of social development. Whether it’s requesting a break from a social situation or asking for help in understanding a conversation, self-advocacy fosters independence and confidence.
Flexibility in Social Norms: In supportive environments, traditional social norms are recognised but do not dictate how individuals must behave. For example, while eye contact is often expected in many social contexts, some individuals may find it uncomfortable. Rather than viewing this as a problem, it is helpful to acknowledge the discomfort and encourage alternative ways of engaging.
Peer Interaction Support: Social communication happens in the context of relationships with peers and family members. Speech therapists can help individuals practise communication in natural settings, encouraging others to be mindful of differences and promoting inclusive interactions.
Empowering Families and Communities
Families, educators, and communities play a key role in supporting individuals with social communication differences by:
Modelling Inclusive Behaviour: Creating environments where different communication styles are accepted and respected can have a profound impact. Encouraging peers, teachers, and caregivers to be understanding and supportive helps foster positive interactions.
Challenging Expectations: Society often places undue pressure on individuals to meet certain social expectations, such as making eye contact or engaging in small talk. By allowing for diverse communication styles, we create more inclusive and supportive spaces for everyone.
How We Deliver Speech Pathology at Thrive Health Therapies
Thrive Health Therapies offers community-based, clinic-based, and telehealth speech pathology.
Community-Based Services: We provide community-based speech pathology in your home, school or kindergarten, or a location convenient to you throughout metropolitan Adelaide. Learn more about our service areas.
Clinic-Based Services: We provide clinic-based sessions at our Findon clinic.
Telehealth Services: We also offer comprehensive telehealth services, providing clients with convenient, video-based therapy consultations for those who may have difficulty travelling to our clinic or prefer the convenience of remote support.
Funding Options for Speech Pathology
We accept a variety of funding options, making augmentative and alternative communication therapy accessible for everyone:
Private Health Insurance
Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans (GP Team Care Arrangements)
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)
Why Choose Our Speech Pathology Services?
No wait time: We can start working with paediatric or adult clients straight away!
Experienced: Our speech pathologists have extensive experience working with individuals of all ages.
Extensive Coverage in the community: We serve a large geographical area, providing speech therapy services across all of metropolitan Adelaide from Gawler to Aldinga. We see clients at home, in their school or kindergarten, or at a location convenient to them. Learn more about our services areas.
Clinic space: Our Findon clinic has been specially designed to be appropriate for a wide range of presentations and disabilities.
Individualised care: Every client receives a personalised therapy plan based on their unique needs and goals.
Neuroaffirming Practice: We provide compassionate and affirming services to support and empower neurodiverse individuals.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach: We offer a wide range of allied health services under one roof, allowing for a holistic approach to your health.
NDIS Provider: We provide services to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants
Funding Options: We accept a variety of funding options, helping our clients access the support they need.
LGBTQIA+ Friendly: We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities, Our Findon clinic is a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for all LGBTQIA+ people and families.
FAQs About Social Communication
If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact our friendly team on 0474 248 081 or email enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com
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Social communication refers to the way we use language, non-verbal cues, and social skills to interact with others. This includes speaking, listening, understanding social cues, taking turns in conversation, and adapting communication to different situations.
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Anyone who experiences difficulties with social communication may benefit from support, including individuals with autism, ADHD, developmental delays, speech and language disorders, or social anxiety. Children, adolescents, and adults can all work on developing social communication skills.
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At Thrive Health Therapies, we take a neuro-affirming approach by recognising and respecting diverse communication styles. Rather than focusing on changing how a person communicates to fit social norms, we support individuals in developing strategies that work for them while fostering confidence in their interactions.
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No! We can start working with new clients right away.
Once we have received a referral form with all of your details, we are able to book an Initial Assessment as soon as possible, depending on your availability.
You can find our paediatric referral forms here and our adult referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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If you are funded through Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) or Chronic Disease Management (CDM) we need the appropriate referral documentation from your GP.
For all other funding sources you can refer yourself or your child directly via our online referral form, or reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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Referring is easy! You can find our paediatric referral forms here and our adult referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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We accept referrals from a wide range of funding sources, including the NDIS, home care packages, Department of Veterans Affairs, Chronic Disease Management (previously known as EPC) and private clients. Learn more about our accepted funding sources.
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Prices vary between services. Our therapists work with you to ensure you get the best program of services within your budget allocation.
Please contact us for a personalised quote.
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Referral Form
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