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Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

Gepubliceerd in:

13-01-2023 | Original Paper

Spatial Language and Cognition in Autistic Preschoolers

Auteurs: Kathryn E. Prescott, Kimberly Crespo, Susan Ellis Weismer

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders | Uitgave 4/2024

Abstract

Purpose: ASD is associated with relative strengths in the visuospatial domain but varying abilities in the linguistic domain. Previous studies suggest parallels between spatial language and spatial cognition in older autistic individuals, but no research to date has examined this relationship in young autistic children. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the connection between children’s spatial language production and nonverbal spatial cognition over time. We also examined two potential predictors of spatial language observed in previous literature, ASD symptom severity and parent spatial language input. Methods: In past work investigating spatial language in NT children of the same age, parent-child interactions have been a primary context for study. Therefore, in the present study, we analyzed transcripts of dyadic naturalistic play interactions between autistic children and their parents over three visits from age 30 to 66 months and administered standardized cognitive and ASD diagnostic assessments at each visit. Results: Spatial language production was related to nonverbal spatial cognition even when accounting for overall language production, though the strength of that relationship decreased over time. Parent spatial input (but not ASD severity) significantly predicted children’s spatial language production over and above the effect of overall language production. Conclusion: Spatial language is associated with spatial cognition in young autistic children and appears to reflect the interaction of overall linguistic skills and nonverbal spatial cognitive ability regardless of autism severity. Parent-mediated interventions may be a promising context for increasing spatial language in autistic preschoolers.

vorige artikel The Contribution of Perceptual Reasoning Skills to Phonological Awareness for School Age Autistic Children

volgende artikel Autistic Traits, Gender Minority Stress, and Mental Health in Transgender and Non-Binary Adults

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Titel: Spatial Language and Cognition in Autistic Preschoolers
Auteurs: Kathryn E. Prescott
Kimberly Crespo
Susan Ellis Weismer
Publicatiedatum: 13-01-2023
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders / Uitgave 4/2024
Print ISSN: 0162-3257
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-3432
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05883-7

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