Document Type : Research

Authors

1 Department of English and Linguistics, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran

2 Assistant Professor Department of English and Linguistics, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran

3 Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Persian Literature and Foreign Languages, Allameh Tabataba University. Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Autism, first introduced by Bleuler (1940) and later developed by Kanner (1940), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that poses challenges in communication for autistic individuals, hindering their social interactions and activities. Autism encompasses cognitive and linguistic difficulties, with genetics believed to be a contributing factor. Symptoms often become evident between 18 to 36 months of age. Autistic individuals commonly struggle with verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction, and other activities. Communication difficulties are a core characteristic of autism, with approximately 50% of autistic individuals being unable to use language for communication. A notable trait is the avoidance of the pronoun "I," and the repetition of words and phrases, known as 'echolalia.' There is a wide spectrum of language development among autistic individuals, ranging from those who never speak to those who exhibit slow comprehension despite fluent speech. This spectrum includes both mild and severe forms of autism, with some severely affected individuals being non-verbal or having echolalia. Milder cases learn language but tend to use words and expressions based on their own perspectives, making simple conversations challenging. The speech performance of autistic individuals has been a subject of controversy in psychology, as their appearance is often similar to non-autistic individuals, making it difficult for families to recognize and accept their children's challenges. This lack of recognition can lead to frustration for parents, who may not receive the verbal and practical affection they need.

Keywords

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