Errors in grammar among autistic boys and boys with fragile X syndrome

What is it about?

This study examined grammatical errors made by autistic boys and boys with fragile X syndrome during conversation. Errors in grammar are common among autistic boys and boys with fragile X syndrome, but most information we have is based off of very structured tests. This limits our understanding of language use in more common settings, such as conversation. We looked at the kinds of errors that were made during conversations, such as omitting a necessary word or using the incorrect word. Boys with fragile X and autistic boys made the same number of errors during conversation, especially omissions, which were at a higher rate than comparison groups. This indicates that omissions may be relevant to focus on for speech and language interventions.

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Why is it important?

This study provides information on the grammatical errors made by autistic boys and boys with fragile X syndrome. Errors in grammar, especially omissions, may be important to target in language interventions for these groups.