Developmental Characteristics and Extension of Training Programs in the Use of Deictic Verbs in the Mother Tongue of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K13627
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 09060:Special needs education-related
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University (2023); Kochi University (2021-2022)
• Principal Investigator: Asaoka Hiroshi 広島大学, 人間社会科学研究科(教), 准教授 (20808042)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 自閉スペクトラム症 / 直示動詞 / 発達的特徴 / 指導プログラム

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study conducted the use of deictic verbs “go/come” by children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), aiming to expand instructional programs. First, the survey targeting both ASD and typically developing children revealed the presence of ASD children who did not show sufficient developmental changes in the use of deictic verbs, suggesting the need for the development and expansion of instructional programs. Second, a case study focusing on ASD children suggested that the appropriate use of “go/come” could have a ripple effect on the understanding of other verb pairs (e.g., “give/receive”). The findings of this study are expected to be useful in language instruction for ASD children, particularly in teaching the expression and understanding of related words.

Free Research Field

特別支援教育

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の学術的意義は、ASD児の直示動詞「行く／来る」の使用に関する発達的特徴を明らかにし、言語発達に新たな視点を提供することである。具体的には、直示動詞の使用と身体運動の同期の関連性を実証的に示したことは、言語獲得メカニズムの理解に寄与する新たな知見といえる。社会的意義としては、ASD児における直示動詞の適切な使用が他の動詞の理解に波及効果をもたらす可能性を示したことである。これにより、ASD児に対する指導プログラムの改善や拡大に貢献することが期待される。