Spontaneity of communication in individuals with autism

Hsu Min Chiang*, Mark Carter

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

41 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This article provides an examination of issues related to spontaneity of communication in children with autism. Deficits relating to spontaneity or initiation are frequently reported in individuals with autism, particularly in relation to communication and social behavior. Nevertheless, spontaneity is not necessarily clearly conceptualized or measured. Several approaches to conceptualization of communicative spontaneity are examined with a particular focus on the continuum model and how it might be practically applied. A range of possible explanations for deficits in spontaneity of communication in children with autism is subsequently explored, including external factors (highly structured teaching programs, failure to systematically instruct for spontaneity) and intrinsic characteristics (intellectual disability, stimulus overselectivity, weak central coherence). Possible implications for future research are presented.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)693-705
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Volume38
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2008

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