Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research
Published on: July 31, 2017
Quality of communication life in adolescents with high-functioning autism and Asperger syndrome: a feasibility study
Sloane Burgess1, Lyn S Turkstra
1Kent State University, Department of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences, P.O. Box 5190, 150 Terrace Drive, Kent, OH 44242, USA. sburges8@kent.edu
Purpose:
This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of using the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Quality of Communication Life Scale (QCL; Paul et al., 2004) for a group of individuals with developmental communication disorders--adolescents with high-functioning autism/Asperger syndrome (HFA/AS). Perceptions of quality of communication life (QoCL) have not been studied in this group and are important for intervention planning.
Method:
Fourteen adolescents with HFA/AS and 15 typically developing peers rated their QoCL using the QCL. Mothers of study participants also rated their children's QoCL. It was hypothesized that the adolescents with HFA/AS would rate their QoCL less positively than their peers and more positively than their mothers.
Results:
The QoCL ratings of adolescents with HFA/AS were significantly lower than those of their peers but were generally positive. Self-ratings for the HFA/AS group were somewhat higher than parent ratings.
Conclusion:
The results of this study provide evidence that adolescents with HFA/AS can effectively evaluate aspects of their QoCL and that the QCL may provide useful information for this group. The study also provides preliminary evidence that adolescents with HFA/AS rate their QoCL lower than their peers. Further research is necessary to better understand the meaning of lower ratings for this group and the effects of intervention on their perceptions of their QoCL.
Related Concept Videos
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Cognitive Development During Adolescence
Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Therapeutic Communication
Verbal communication depends on language or a prescribed way of using words so that people can share information effectively. The critical aspects of verbal...

