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Published on: October 3, 2018
Sign language and motor functioning in students with autistic disorder
1Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807, USA.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|August 1, 1997
Summary
This study analyzed sign language production in autistic students, finding location accuracy was higher than handshape or movement. Sign vocabulary and accuracy correlated with motor skills and apraxia measures.
Area of Science:
- Linguistics
- Developmental Psychology
- Special Education
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) impacts communication skills.
- Sign language is a vital communication tool for some autistic individuals.
- Understanding sign production challenges in low-functioning autistic students is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the sign language production abilities of low-functioning autistic students.
- To identify specific areas of difficulty (location, handshape, movement) in sign production.
- To explore correlations between sign production, motor skills, and apraxia.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of videotaped sign language interactions between 14 autistic students and their teachers.
- Assessment of sign production frequency and accuracy for sign location, handshape, and movement.
- Evaluation of students' sign vocabulary size, motor functioning, and apraxia measures.
Main Results:
- Sign location was produced more accurately than handshape or movement.
- Significant individual differences observed in sign production quantity, accuracy, and motor skills.
- Strong correlations found between sign vocabulary size, sign accuracy, apraxia measures, and fine motor age.
Conclusions:
- Autistic students' sign production varies, with location being a relatively stronger aspect.
- Motor skills and apraxia significantly influence sign language acquisition and accuracy in this population.
- Further research should explore targeted interventions to improve sign production in autistic learners.
