Symbolic Understanding and Word-Picture-Referent Mapping from iPads in Autism Spectrum Condition: The Roles of
Bethany R Wainwright1, Melissa L Allen2, Kate Cain3
1Department of Psychology, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YF, UK. b.wainwright@lancaster.ac.uk.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|February 10, 2020
Summary
Children with autism spectrum condition (ASC) and typically developing children showed similar word-picture mapping. Manual image rotation on iPads increased visual attention, benefiting ASC children’s mapping skills.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Autism Spectrum Condition Research
Background:
- Understanding symbolic representation is crucial for cognitive development.
- Children with autism spectrum condition (ASC) often face challenges in symbolic understanding and word-learning.
- Investigating interactive digital tools for learning in ASC is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare symbolic understanding and word-picture-referent mapping in children with ASC and typically developing children.
- To examine the effect of different visual presentation modes (static 2D vs. 3D interactive) on engagement and mapping.
- To explore the relationship between visual attention and word-picture-referent mapping in children with ASC.
Main Methods:
- Participants: Children with ASC and ability-matched typically developing children.
- Task: Viewing novel object symbols on an iPad in static 2D, automatic 3D rotation, or manual 3D rotation conditions.
- Measures: Word-picture-referent mapping accuracy and on-screen looking time.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in word-picture-referent mapping accuracy between groups or conditions.
- Manual image rotation led to increased on-screen looking time compared to other conditions.
- Greater visual attention correlated with improved word-picture-referent mapping specifically in children with ASC.
Conclusions:
- Interactive digital tasks, like manual image rotation on iPads, can enhance visual attention in both typical and atypical populations.
- Increased visual attention may positively impact word-picture-referent mapping abilities in children with ASC.
- Future research should explore the potential of interactive technologies to support learning in ASC.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Piaget's Stage 2 of Cognitive Development
710
The preoperational stage, the second of Jean Piaget's four stages of cognitive development, spans approximately ages 2 to 7 and is characterized by the emergence of symbolic thinking. During this stage, children use language, images, and symbols to represent objects and concepts, enabling them to engage in imaginative and pretend play. This symbolic thinking supports children's ability to perform make-believe actions, such as imagining a broom as a horse or their hand as a phone, blending...
710
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
835
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
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.
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.
835
01:26Modeling in Therapy
333
Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
333
01:24Concepts and Prototypes
445
The human nervous system handles vast amounts of information by translating sensory stimuli into neural impulses, which the brain processes, creating thoughts expressed through language or stored as memories. The brain also synthesizes information from emotions and memories, which significantly influence thoughts and behaviors. This intricate process creates a comprehensive mental picture.
The brain organizes this information using concepts, which are mental categories grouping linguistic data,...
The brain organizes this information using concepts, which are mental categories grouping linguistic data,...
445
01:42Schemas
12.2K
A schema is a mental construct consisting of a cluster or collection of related concepts (Bartlett, 1932). There are many different types of schemata, and they all have one thing in common: schemata are a method of organizing information that allows the brain to work more efficiently. When a schema is activated, the brain makes immediate assumptions about the person or object being observed.
12.2K
02:16Stereotype Content Model
15.3K
The Stereotype Content Model (SCM) was first proposed by Susan Fiske and her colleagues (Fiske, Cuddy, Glick & Xu, 2002; see also Fiske, 2012 and Fiske, 2017). The SCM specifies that when someone encounters a new group, they will stereotype them based on two metrics: warmth—or that group’s perceived intent, and how likely they are to provide help or inflict harm—and competence—or their ability to carry out that objective. Depending on the warmth-competence...
15.3K