Honors Program Theses

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Honors Program Thesis (UNI Access Only)

First Advisor

Kenneth Bleile

Abstract

This thesis was undertaken to explore the relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and language development, explicitly comparing language acquisition in children with ASD to their neurotypical (NT) peers. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) must understand the unique communication differences and linguistic characteristics in children with ASD. This study addresses several key questions about the relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and language development. It explores what ASD is and how it affects language acquisition in children. Additionally, the research identifies common expressive, receptive, and pragmatic language delays experienced by children with ASD. Furthermore, the study considers how speech therapy approaches can be specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of children with ASD compared to NT peers. This research emphasized the importance of early intervention and targeted support for children with ASD through a literature review. These findings provide key takeaways for professionals working with children with ASD, including the significance of early, individualized intervention and the need for therapy methods that address both linguistic and social-pragmatic challenges. Understanding how language development differs in individuals with ASD provides valuable insights for SLPs and educators who work with them.

Year of Submission

2025

Department

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

University Honors Designation

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the designation University Honors

Date Original

2025

Object Description

1 PDF file (37 pages)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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