Birth Order Effect on Non-Verbal Communication Development in Young Children with Autism
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Cheney, Mary Brenna
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Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a developmental disorder involving a range of social communication deficits accompanied by repetitive behaviors and sensory sensitivities, is impacted by both genetic and environmental factors. An increasing body of knowledge suggests that family dynamics and social interactions impact the development of children with ASD. While siblings greatly impact family dynamics and are a constant source of social interaction for each other, little research exists regarding the role siblings play in the development of children with ASD. This study analyzed frequency of gestural communication exhibited by children with ASD during standardized assessments with the goal of better understanding the role siblings play in the development of children with ASD, by focusing on two questions: (1) Are there group differences in frequency and complexity of early non-verbal communication in young children with ASD based on having siblings versus being an only child? and (2) Does birth order play a role in the development of early non-verbal communication in young children with ASD? This study did not yield significant results and thus did not provide definite conclusions or insights into the effect of siblings on communication development for children with ASD. However, these results were likely due to study limitations and a lack of power rather than lack of significance. As such, this study suggests a need for significant further research.
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Undergraduate Research Option Thesis