Investigation of communicative behaviors and communication functions of Turkish individuals with autism spectrum disorder through Communication Matrix
International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, cilt.72, sa.2, ss.187-202, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 72 Sayı: 2
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/20473869.2024.2331836
- Dergi Adı: International Journal of Developmental Disabilities
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Psycinfo
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.187-202
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Autism spectrum disorder, communication function, Communication Matrix, communicative behaviors, symbol use
- İstanbul Medipol Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
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.