6. Social (pragmatic) communicative functioning 2 (E)

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)

Neurodevelopmental spectrum characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and restricted behaviors.

Communication deficits

Challenges in understanding and using nonverbal communication, speech, and social interaction nuances.

Speech Delay

Heterogeneity in speech development trajectories among individuals with ASD.

Nonverbal Communication

Challenges in using gestures, facial expressions, and establishing joint attention.

Echolalia

Immediate repetition of words or phrases, serving various functions in communication and self-regulation.

Syntax and Pragmatics

Variations in syntactic development and difficulties in using language in social contexts.

Joint Attention

Establishing and maintaining joint attention is foundational for social communication.

Social Anxiety

Fear of judgment and uncertainty in social situations, requiring tailored interventions.

Social Isolation

Challenges in initiating and maintaining social connections, addressing through interventions and inclusive environments.

Social Skills Training

Breaking down social skills into manageable components and providing modeling and feedback.

Peer-Mediated Interventions

Creating opportunities for ASD individuals to interact with neurotypical peers, promoting acceptance and skill development.

Language Challenges

Delays in speech development and difficulties in using language effectively for social interaction.

Echolalia

Immediate and delayed repetition of words or phrases, offering insights into cognitive and communicative processes.

Syntactic Development

Varied acquisition and use of sentence structure, influencing language expression complexity.

Pragmatic Development

Nuanced use of language in social contexts, impacting social interactions and relationships.

Literacy Challenges

Difficulties in reading comprehension and strategies for supporting literacy development.

Cognitive Profiles

Diverse range of cognitive abilities in individuals with ASD, influencing language and communication.

Neurocognitive Investigations

Using assessments to understand verbal learning and memory in ASD, providing insights into language processing.

Early Intervention

Emphasizing the critical role of early language intervention in addressing language challenges and supporting development.

Joint attention

Foundational role in early social-communicative development, key marker in neurodevelopmental models of ASD.

Regression

Clinical phenomenon in ASD, loss of previously acquired language and social skills.

Symbolic representation

Language as a symbolic system for communication.

Non-symbolic communication

Use of gestures and other non-verbal modes.

Prosody

Rhythm, intonation, and stress in speech.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Behavioral interventions for communication challenges.

Social skills training

Targeted programs to enhance social interaction.

Family and peer support

Creating a supportive network for individuals with ASD.

Speech loss patterns

Variability in the timing and nature of speech loss in infantile autism.

Early identification

Importance of early intervention for at-risk infants.

Syntactic-pragmatic relationship

Connection between sentence structure and pragmatic language use.

MLU as a developmental marker

Using MLU to assess language proficiency.

Amnesic features

Investigating memory challenges in individuals with ASD.

Neurocognitive phenotypes

Understanding variations in cognitive profiles in ASD.

Early intervention strategies

Importance of early identification and targeted support.

Social-pragmatic interventions

Addressing social and pragmatic aspects of communication.

Neurocognitive-informed practices

Tailoring interventions based on individual cognitive profiles.

Joint attention

Its pivotal role in early social development.

Regression in ASD

Clinical features and contributing factors.

Heterogeneity in communication profiles

Recognizing the diverse communication profiles observed in toddlers with ASD.

Communication heterogeneity

Acknowledging diverse communication profiles.

Tailoring interventions

Addressing individual needs in communication support.

Prosodic performance

Its impact on socialization ratings in ASD.

Clinical implications

Designing interventions to address prosodic challenges.

Evolution of research

Tracing the development of ASD research.

Future implications

Identifying areas for future research and practice.

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Harnessing diverse expertise for comprehensive support.

Interconnectedness of language and social development in ASD.

Longitudinal studies

Uncovering patterns and variabilities in language trajectories.

Symbolic communication challenges in ASD.

Language acquisition models

Insights into divergent symbolic use.

Multidimensionality in assessments

Capturing diverse language profiles.

Individualized assessment

Adapting strategies to individual needs.

Communicative intention in ASD

Typical and atypical patterns.

Contrasting profiles

ASD vs. typically developing toddlers.

Social communication challenges in high-functioning ASD.

Evidence-based interventions

Tailoring approaches to individual needs.

Literacy challenges in ASD

A comprehensive perspective.

Holistic intervention

Fostering literacy within the context of overall communication development.

Integration of research into practice

Bridging the gap between theory and intervention.

Holistic support

Recognizing the interconnected nature of language, communication, and social development.

Continuum of care

Tailoring interventions to evolving needs across the lifespan.

Neurocognitive diversity in ASD.

Contributing factors to cognitive variability.

Executive functioning components in ASD.

Interventional strategies

Enhancing cognitive control.

Reciprocal relationship between language and cognitive development.

Language as a cognitive tool

Implications for problem-solving.

Technological contributions to neurocognitive research.

Emerging themes

Shaping the future of ASD research.

Cognitive-based interventions in ASD.

Personalized approaches

Tailoring interventions to cognitive profiles.

Integration of cognitive and neurocognitive insights.

Implications for future research and practice.