Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Using the Visual World Paradigm to Study Sentence Comprehension in Mandarin-Speaking Children with Autism
Published on: October 3, 2018
Morphology in autism spectrum disorders: local processing bias and language
Mila Vulchanova1, Joel B Talcott, Valentin Vulchanov
1Language Acquisition and Language Processing Laboratory, Department of Modern Languages, Norwegian University of Science & Technology, Trondheim, Norway. mila.vulchanova@ntnu.no
Individuals with Asperger syndrome can show advanced grammar skills, but may struggle with figurative language. This study links their local processing bias to strengths in morphology and grammar.
Area of Science:
- Linguistics
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by diverse cognitive profiles.
- Individuals with ASD, particularly Asperger syndrome, may exhibit specific language strengths alongside challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a case of linguistic talent within Asperger syndrome.
- To explore the relationship between local processing biases and language acquisition in ASD.
Main Methods:
- Detailed case study analysis of an individual with Asperger syndrome (I.A.).
- Assessment of linguistic abilities focusing on morphology, syntax, figurative language, and inferencing.
Main Results:
- I.A. demonstrated significant strengths in morphology and syntax.
- Difficulties were observed in processing figurative language and contextual inferencing.
- These strengths align with the weak central coherence (WCC) theory of autism.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the weak central coherence (WCC) account by extending it to language.
- A local processing bias may contribute to advantages in acquiring morphology and grammar in individuals with Asperger syndrome.
More Related Videos
10:11Portable Intermodal Preferential Looking (IPL): Investigating Language Comprehension in Typically Developing Toddlers and Young Children with Autism
Published on: December 14, 2012
05:32Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos
Published on: December 7, 2018
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.
Language and Cognition
Higher Mental Functions of the Brain: Language
Language formation and comprehension take place in the dominant hemisphere. The dominant hemisphere is responsible for understanding the meaning of spoken, written, or sign language, as well as the ability to communicate. For most people, the left hemisphere is the dominant one. The right hemisphere, then, gives tone and emotional context to the...
Language Development
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...
Lateralization
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...