Spontaneous Gestural Communication as a Predictor of Autism Spectrum Diagnosis in Children with Fragile X Syndrome
Issue Date
2015-05-31Author
Esplund, Amy
Publisher
University of Kansas
Format
39 pages
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
M.A.
Discipline
Hearing and Speech
Rights
Copyright held by the author.
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This study aimed to determine if early spontaneous gestural communication is a predictor of later Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis in children who have already been diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). The communication samples of 49 children were obtained across multiple contexts as part of a larger longitudinal study examining maternal responsivity. Videos were coded for communication form and function, and initiations of gestural communication were analyzed. There were significant differences between the two groups. The children in the FXS only group used distal points, proximal points, and representational gestures more often than children with FXS and ASD; however, children in the latter group were more likely to use give gestures. Overall, children with a single FXS diagnosis initiated more joint attention than the FXS + ASD group.
Collections
Items in KU ScholarWorks are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.
We want to hear from you! Please share your stories about how Open Access to this item benefits YOU.