Abstract
ABSTRACTResearch on figurative meaning in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) would benefit from considering a greater variety of data types and using more diverse methods. Previous studies have predominantly applied experimental methods to investigate processing of figurative language (mostly metaphor) and have for the most part concluded that individuals with ASD have deficits in figurative language comprehension. In this study, we focus on the creation and communication of figurative meaning in discursively situated and thematically organized verbal, gestural, and pictorial data published by an autistic artist in the form of videos and comics. Across three prominent experiential themes in the data, we isolate types of conceptualizations and generalize over mappings between target and source experiences. We find that the data are rich in figurative meaning expression (e.g., metaphor and metonymy) conveyed through language, co-speech gestures, and pictures in ways that are clearly embodied (experientially based) and that reflect affordances and constraints of these modes of communication. While our case study of meaning production does not contradict previous research on figurative meaning comprehension in populations, it does indicate benefits of taking a broader and multimodal approach to figurative meaning in research on ASD.
Highlights
Research on figurative meaning in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has predominantly investigated the processing and comprehension of figurative language through experimental methods, and a great number of studies have concluded that individuals with ASD have difficulties understanding figurative meaning (e.g., Chahboun, Vulchanov, Saldaña, Eshuis, & Vulchanova, 2016, 2017; MacKay & Shaw, 2004; Mashal & Kasirer, 2011; Melogno, D’Ardia, Pinto, & Levi, 2012; Olofson et al, 2014; Rundblad & Annaz, 2010a)
We propose that it is not sufficient to determine whether or not, or to what extent, individuals with ASD comprehend figurative language; there is a need to explore the ways in which they convey figurative meaning in actual language use and through additional modes of communication such as gestures and pictures
We carefully consider one autistic artist’s use of language, co-speech gestures, and pictures and we couch our observations in a coherent analytical framework
Summary
Research on figurative meaning in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has predominantly investigated the processing and comprehension of figurative language through experimental methods, and a great number of studies have concluded that individuals with ASD have difficulties understanding figurative meaning (e.g., Chahboun, Vulchanov, Saldaña, Eshuis, & Vulchanova, 2016, 2017; MacKay & Shaw, 2004; Mashal & Kasirer, 2011; Melogno, D’Ardia, Pinto, & Levi, 2012; Olofson et al, 2014; Rundblad & Annaz, 2010a). Methods Research on figurative meaning in ASD has been primarily experimental with a focus on figurative language processing and has predominantly operationalized such processing as a function of response times and response accuracy, and most studies have concluded that individuals with ASD have deficits tied to figurative meaning comprehension (via language) Varied explanations for these deficits have been proposed: general language and/or communicative deficits, reduced ability to infer others’ intentions; Theory of Mind deficits; impaired executive functions; and differences in language processing (for overviews/reviews, see Chahboun et al, 2017; Eigsti, de Marchena, Schuh, & Kelley, 2011; Kalandadze, Norbury, Nærland, & Næss, 2018; Vulchanova, Saldaña, Chahboun, & Vulchanov, 2015). These templates (configurations in LOC) are akin to image schemas (Johnson, 1987; Lakoff, 1987; in gestures Cienki 2005; Mittelberg, 2018; in pictures, Forceville, 2016b) in that they can be characterized as embodied cognitive structures that capture fundamental perceptual experiences of the world, while scaffolding new experiences and facilitating the creation of meaning
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
