Language development in preschool children with autism spectrum disorders: investigating fast-mapping abilities and utilization of word learning constraints

Simple item page
dc.contributorScofield, Jason M.
dc.contributorKlinger, Mark R.
dc.contributorConners, Frances A.
dc.contributorJackson, Melissa F.
dc.contributor.advisorKlinger, Laura G.
dc.contributor.authorWilliams, Amie M.
dc.contributor.otherUniversity of Alabama Tuscaloosa
dc.date.accessioned2017-02-28T22:20:36Z
dc.date.available2017-02-28T22:20:36Z
dc.date.issued2009
dc.descriptionElectronic Thesis or Dissertationen_US
dc.description.abstractChildren with typical development utilize social-cognitive skills (e.g., joint attention, imitation) and word learning constraints to quickly learn new words (i.e., fast-map). However, few studies have investigated fast-mapping in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and the effects that social-cognitive skills have on word learning. The objectives of the current study were to examine the following questions: (1) Do preschoolers with ASD and preschoolers with typical development fast-map at similar rates?; (2) Do preschoolers with ASD utilize word learning constraints?; and (3) What is the relationship between joint attention, imitation, and fast-mapping in preschoolers with ASD? Preschoolers with ASD and typical development completed a basic fast-mapping condition (i.e., the ability to link a novel label with a novel object) and 3 conditions measuring the uses of word learning constraints; (1) Mutual Exclusivity - examined the ability to assume that a novel label applies to a novel object; (2) Taxonomic - examined the ability to assume that novel labels extend to objects that are similar in shape; and (3) Whole-Object - examined the ability to assume that novel labels refer to whole objects. Various assessments measured language, joint attention, and imitation skills. Results revealed that children with ASD showed equivalent word learning to children with typical development in the basic fast-mapping condition. This intact word learning occurred despite significantly lower joint attention and imitation skills. However, children with ASD were less effective at using word learning constraints, showing significantly less word learning in these conditions than children with typical development. Further, while increased joint attention was related to performance in the mutual exclusivity and taxonomic constraints for both diagnostic groups, joint attention was only related to performance in the basic fast-mapping condition for children with typical development. Overall, preschoolers with ASD fast-mapped and learned new words in a similar manner to children with typical development, despite impairments in joint attention and imitation. However, children with ASD were less accurate at utilizing word learning constraints. Although research has emphasized the link between social-cognitive skills and language, the current study suggests that children with ASD may be utilizing alternative strategies or skills to increase their vocabulary.en_US
dc.format.extent110 p.
dc.format.mediumelectronic
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.identifier.otheru0015_0000001_0000048
dc.identifier.otherWilliams_alatus_0004D_10062
dc.identifier.urihttps://ir.ua.edu/handle/123456789/555
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoen_US
dc.publisherUniversity of Alabama Libraries
dc.relation.hasversionborn digital
dc.relation.ispartofThe University of Alabama Electronic Theses and Dissertations
dc.rightsAll rights reserved by the author unless otherwise indicated.en_US
dc.subjectClinical psychology
dc.subjectLanguage, General
dc.titleLanguage development in preschool children with autism spectrum disorders: investigating fast-mapping abilities and utilization of word learning constraintsen_US
dc.typethesis
dc.typetext
etdms.degree.departmentUniversity of Alabama. Department of Psychology
etdms.degree.disciplinePsychology
etdms.degree.grantorThe University of Alabama
etdms.degree.leveldoctoral
etdms.degree.namePh.D.

Files

Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
file_1.pdf
Size:
6.27 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Download

Collections

Theses and Dissertations
Theses and Dissertations - Department of Psychology