Investigation of communicative behaviors and communication functions of Turkish individuals with autism spectrum disorder through Communication Matrix

Abstract

Objectives This study investigates the communication functions and communicative behaviors of Turkish individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), using the Turkish adaptation of the Communication Matrix. Methods Thirty participants with ASD (24 males, six females; age 2;5–22;11) were assessed using the Turkish Communication Matrix, the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and Denver-II Developmental Screening Test. Based on the CARS scores, the participants were categorized into mild-moderate and moderate-severe autism groups. Differences in Communication Matrix scores between the groups were analyzed using the Mann Whitney-U Test, while the relationship between Communication Matrix and CARS scores was examined through Spearman’s correlation. Results Mild-to-moderate autistic participants exhibited more often and diverse communication functions and communicative behaviors, especially in behavior regulation (refuse and obtain), social interaction, and information-seeking or information-providing behaviors than those with moderate-to-severe autism. Significant differences emerged in communicative behaviors for social interaction and information-seeking or information-providing behaviors. A significant negative correlation was observed between CARS scores and communicative behaviors for social interaction and information-seeking or information-providing behaviors. Conclusions Increased autism severity reduces the diversity and functionality of communicative behaviors. Social interaction and information-seeking or information-providing behaviors are the skills that are most impacted by autism severity.