A Study of Pragmatic Communicative Functions : Teaching "Shujoshi" Sentence Expressions to Autistic Children

Abstract

Studied the ability to learn sentences containing Japanese particles. Human subjects: One male Japanese child (12.5 yrs) (autism) (mental age [MA] of 6 yrs 11 mo, IQ of 55). One male Japanese child (10 yrs 7 mo, [autism]) (IQ of 77). One male Japanese child (5 yrs 7 mo, [autism]) (MA of 4 yrs 3 mo, IQ of 76). One normal male Japanese child (7 yrs 1 mo). One normal male Japanese child (7 yrs). One normal female Japanese child (5 yrs). The Ss were trained with modeling and reinforcement procedures to produce sentences with appropriate particles ('shujoshi') when shown scenes depicting particular human interactive contexts. The experimental design included: (a) pretest, (b) training and generalization probes, and (c) posttest, using a multiple baseline across types of sentences with particles. The Ss' responses to generalization probe pictures were not modeled or reinforced. (English abstract) Developmental. Educational level(s) of subjects: Preschool and Primary School. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)