Brief report: Relations between prosodic performance and communication and socialization ratings in high functioning speakers with autism spectrum disorders

Shriberg et al. [Shriberg, L. et al. (2001). Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research, 44, 1097-1115] described prosody-voice features of 30 high functioning speakers with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to age-matched control speakers. The present study reports additional information on the speakers with ASD, including associations among prosody-voice variables and ratings of communication social abilities. Results suggest that the inappropriate sentential stress and hypernasality previously identified in some of these speakers is related to communication/sociability ratings. These findings and associated trends are interpreted to indicate important links between prosodic performance and social and communicative competence. They suggest the need for careful assessment of inappropriate prosody and voice features in speakers with ASD, and for effective intervention programs aimed at reducing the stigmatization of individuals with these conditions.