Making Inferences: Comprehension of Physical Causality, Intentionality, and Emotions in Discourse by High-Functioning Older Children, Adolescents, and Adults with Autism

Kimberly E Bodner, Christopher R Engelhardt, Nancy J Minshew, Diane L Williams, Kimberly E Bodner, Christopher R Engelhardt, Nancy J Minshew, Diane L Williams

Abstract

Studies investigating inferential reasoning in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have focused on the ability to make socially-related inferences or inferences more generally. Important variables for intervention planning such as whether inferences depend on physical experiences or the nature of social information have received less consideration. A measure of bridging inferences of physical causation, mental states, and emotional states was administered to older children, adolescents, and adults with and without ASD. The ASD group had more difficulty making inferences, particularly related to emotional understanding. Results suggest that individuals with ASD may not have the stored experiential knowledge that specific inferences depend upon or have difficulties accessing relevant experiences due to linguistic limitations. Further research is needed to tease these elements apart.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Association between age and PIT weighted total scores by group diagnosis
Figure 2
Figure 2
Association between age and PIT weighted total scores by low and high VIQ scores
Figure 3
Figure 3
Association between age and number of correct other-ToM responses by low and high VIQ scores

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Source: PubMed

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