Conventions for unconventional language: Revisiting a framework for spoken language features in autism

Background and aims Autism has long been characterized by a range of spoken language features, including, for instance: the tendency to repeat words and phrases, the use of invented words, and “pedantic” language. These observations have been the source of considerable disagreement in both the theor...

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Main Authors: Rhiannon J Luyster, Emily Zane, Lisa Wisman Weil
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2022-06-01
Series:Autism and Developmental Language Impairments
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/23969415221105472
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author Rhiannon J Luyster
Emily Zane
Lisa Wisman Weil
author_facet Rhiannon J Luyster
Emily Zane
Lisa Wisman Weil
author_sort Rhiannon J Luyster
collection DOAJ
description Background and aims Autism has long been characterized by a range of spoken language features, including, for instance: the tendency to repeat words and phrases, the use of invented words, and “pedantic” language. These observations have been the source of considerable disagreement in both the theoretical and applied realms. Despite persistent professional interest in these language features, there has been little consensus around terminology, definitions and developmental/clinical interpretation. Main contribution This review paper updates and expands an existing framework for unconventional language in autism to include a broader range of non-generative (echolalia and self-repetition) and generative (idiosyncratic phrases, neologisms and pedantic language) features often observed in the language of individuals on the autism spectrum. For each aspect of the framework, we review the various definitions and measurement approaches, and we provide a summary of individual and contextual correlates. We also propose some transitional language features that may bridge non-generative and generative domains (e.g., mitigated echolalia and gestalt language). Conclusions This updated framework offers a unified taxonomy and nomenclature that can facilitate further investigation and interpretation of unconventional language in autism. Implications There are important implications of this work for our understanding of the complex interplay between autism and language development. Equally important are the clinical ramifications that will guide evidence-based practice in assessment and intervention for individuals on the autism spectrum.
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spelling doaj.art-a7e7abc0253f4f4289c9515d16a4ce702024-02-02T06:28:02ZengSAGE PublishingAutism and Developmental Language Impairments2396-94152022-06-01710.1177/23969415221105472Conventions for unconventional language: Revisiting a framework for spoken language features in autismRhiannon J LuysterEmily ZaneLisa Wisman WeilBackground and aims Autism has long been characterized by a range of spoken language features, including, for instance: the tendency to repeat words and phrases, the use of invented words, and “pedantic” language. These observations have been the source of considerable disagreement in both the theoretical and applied realms. Despite persistent professional interest in these language features, there has been little consensus around terminology, definitions and developmental/clinical interpretation. Main contribution This review paper updates and expands an existing framework for unconventional language in autism to include a broader range of non-generative (echolalia and self-repetition) and generative (idiosyncratic phrases, neologisms and pedantic language) features often observed in the language of individuals on the autism spectrum. For each aspect of the framework, we review the various definitions and measurement approaches, and we provide a summary of individual and contextual correlates. We also propose some transitional language features that may bridge non-generative and generative domains (e.g., mitigated echolalia and gestalt language). Conclusions This updated framework offers a unified taxonomy and nomenclature that can facilitate further investigation and interpretation of unconventional language in autism. Implications There are important implications of this work for our understanding of the complex interplay between autism and language development. Equally important are the clinical ramifications that will guide evidence-based practice in assessment and intervention for individuals on the autism spectrum.https://doi.org/10.1177/23969415221105472
spellingShingle Rhiannon J Luyster
Emily Zane
Lisa Wisman Weil
Conventions for unconventional language: Revisiting a framework for spoken language features in autism
Autism and Developmental Language Impairments
title Conventions for unconventional language: Revisiting a framework for spoken language features in autism
title_full Conventions for unconventional language: Revisiting a framework for spoken language features in autism
title_fullStr Conventions for unconventional language: Revisiting a framework for spoken language features in autism
title_full_unstemmed Conventions for unconventional language: Revisiting a framework for spoken language features in autism
title_short Conventions for unconventional language: Revisiting a framework for spoken language features in autism
title_sort conventions for unconventional language revisiting a framework for spoken language features in autism
url https://doi.org/10.1177/23969415221105472
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