Cognitive and Social Aspects of Communication Deficits in Children with Autism

Qualitative impairments in communication are some of the main symptoms of autism. Major deficits include disorders in initiating and sustaining conversations, delay in language development uncompensated by gestures or facial expressions, as well as repetitive, stereotypical use of language. Knowledge of social rules of communication and pragmatics is also affected. People with autism have great difficulty interpreting non-literal speech. They do not understand irony and humor and they are incapable of adapting their utterances to the expectations and knowledge of the listener. So far, these deficits have not been explained satisfactorily. One interesting explanation is provided by theories that assume the impact of cognitive factors on the ability of people with autism to communicate. The article discusses the relationship between theory of mind deficits and communication disorders. Some attention is devoted to the role of communication disorders in the parent-child relationship.