Speech and Interaction of Preadolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Focus on Prosody, Disfluencies and Comprehension Problems

The book focuses on the interaction of persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and approaches it from a new angle, using naturally occurring data from group therapy sessions. It covers various themes such as speech prosody, gaze behavior, and therapists' response strategies, making it valuable for researchers, professionals, and families of persons with ASD.

Format: Hardback
Length: 158 pages
Publication date: 10 January 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

The book delves into the intricate dynamics of human interaction with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD, a neurobiological developmental condition, manifests through challenges in social engagement, heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, and limited interests (APA, 2013). Given the centrality of social difficulties in ASD, there exists a pressing scientific and societal need for a comprehensive exploration of this topic. This book offers a fresh perspective on the interaction of individuals with ASD. Firstly, in contrast to most studies on ASD that rely on data derived from experimental settings, this book draws upon naturally occurring data sourced from group therapy sessions. These sessions involve 11–13-year-old Finnish- and French-speaking boys with ASD engaging in conversations with each other and their therapists. Secondly, the book addresses a range of themes that have received relatively less attention in the past, such as the pragmatic problems encountered by individuals with ASD. These themes encompass various aspects, including speech prosody (characteristic features, perception of atypicality by neurotypical listeners), speech disfluencies (comparison with neurotypical controls), comprehension difficulties (role of prosody, role of disfluencies, other causes), gaze behavior (eye contact avoidance strategies, using gaze as a source of feedback), as well as therapists' response strategies and teaching orientations. The primary audience of this book includes researchers actively engaged in the field of autism, professionals working with individuals with ASD, and families of persons with ASD. By providing a comprehensive and insightful examination of the interaction between individuals with ASD and their surrounding environments, this book aims to enhance understanding, support, and empowerment for those affected by this disorder.

Weight: 424g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811981166
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023