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Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

Gepubliceerd in:

30-04-2022 | Original Paper

“Um” and “Uh” Usage Patterns in Children with Autism: Associations with Measures of Structural and Pragmatic Language Ability

Auteurs: Grace O. Lawley, Steven Bedrick, Heather MacFarlane, Jill K. Dolata, Alexandra C. Salem, Eric Fombonne

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders | Uitgave 8/2023

Abstract

Pragmatic language difficulties, including unusual filler usage, are common among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study investigated “um” and “uh” usage in children with ASD and typically developing (TD) controls. We analyzed transcribed Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) sessions for 182 children (117 ASD, 65 TD), aged 4 to 15. Although the groups did not differ in “uh” usage, the ASD group used fewer “ums” than the TD group. This held true after controlling for age, sex, and IQ. Within ASD, social affect and pragmatic language scores did not predict filler usage; however, structural language scores predicted “um” usage. Lower “um” rates among children with ASD may reflect problems with planning or production rather than pragmatic language.

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Titel: “Um” and “Uh” Usage Patterns in Children with Autism: Associations with Measures of Structural and Pragmatic Language Ability
Auteurs: Grace O. Lawley
Steven Bedrick
Heather MacFarlane
Jill K. Dolata
Alexandra C. Salem
Eric Fombonne
Publicatiedatum: 30-04-2022
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders / Uitgave 8/2023
Print ISSN: 0162-3257
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-3432
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05565-4

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