Understanding Inappropriate Language in Autism
Children with autism often produce utterances that are perceived as odd or disruptive in conversational flow. This study identifies specific features leading to such judgments:- Too Little Information: Utterances lacking sufficient detail, leaving listeners confused.
- Too Much Information: Over-elaborate or unnecessarily repetitive statements.
- Unusual or Socially Inappropriate Content or Style: Bizarre or contextually inappropriate remarks.
Strategies for Practitioners
To address these issues, practitioners can employ several strategies:- Focused Interventions: Tailor communication exercises to target specific deficits, such as providing adequate information without overloading.
- Role-Playing: Engage in structured role-playing scenarios to practice appropriate conversational exchanges.
- Contextual Learning: Use real-life situations to teach children the nuances of context-appropriate language.
- Feedback and Reinforcement: Provide immediate and constructive feedback to help children understand and correct inappropriate language use.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides a solid foundation, further research is crucial for a deeper understanding of pragmatic language deficits in autism. Practitioners are encouraged to stay updated with ongoing research and incorporate new findings into their practice.Conclusion
By implementing the insights from this study, practitioners can make a meaningful difference in the communicative competence of children with autism. This, in turn, enhances their ability to integrate successfully into their communities.To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Features Leading to Judgements of Inappropriacy in the Language of Speakers with Autism: A Preliminary Study
