Exploratory Factor Analysis of the Social Communication Disorder Screener

Currently, there are no existing measures to screen for or diagnose Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder (SPCD). We conducted an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the Social Communication Disorder Screener (SCDS), a 14-item, parent-report measure based on the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for SPCD. This EFA examined the internal consistency and factor structure of the SCDS for a sample of 500 parents of children, ages 5-18 years, representative of the U.S. census. Results yielded a correlated three-factor solution with good internal consistency reliability. Findings supported the presence of three subscale as well as the derivation of a total composite score reflecting overall verbal and non-verbal communication and limitations across contexts. Clinical and research implications are discussed.