ERIC Number: EJ735454
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004-Jun
Pages: 18
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3257
EISSN: N/A
An Exploration of Causes of Non-Literal Language Problems in Individuals with Asperger Syndrome
Martin, Ingerith; McDonald, Skye
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v34 n3 p311-328 Jun 2004
Individuals with Asperger Syndrome (AS), a high functioning variant of Autism, are often noted to possess intact language ability, yet fail to use this language capacity to engage in interactive communication. This difficulty using language in a social context has been referred to as a deficit in pragmatic language. In particular, difficulty understanding non-literal language devices, such as irony has been observed. This paper examines the veracity of two theories that have attempted to explain the causes of pragmatic language difficulties in individuals with Asperger Syndrome; the theory of Weak Central Coherence (WCC) and Social Inference theory. Fourteen young adults with AS and 24 age-matched controls were assessed on cognitive tasks measuring WCC processes, social inference or Theory of Mind ability, and the ability to interpret ironic remarks. Results indicated that the ability to understand the belief states of others is critical to understanding ironic language in AS.
Descriptors: Social Environment, Pragmatics, Inferences, Figurative Language, Young Adults, Language Aptitude, Asperger Syndrome, Language Proficiency, Cognitive Measurement, Rhetoric, Interaction, Communication (Thought Transfer)
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A