Differences between spontaneous and elicited expressive communication in children with autism

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences between spontaneous and elicited expressive communication in Australian and Taiwanese children with autism who were nonverbal or had limited speech. Thirty-four children with autism (17 Australian and 17 Taiwanese children) participated in this Study. Each participant was observed for 2 h in naturalistic settings (i.e., school and home). Results indicated that children with autism with limited speech produced more spontaneous communication than elicited communication. These children were more likely to use unaided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and communicate for requesting purpose during spontaneous communication. Acknowledge was the most common communication partner's response during spontaneous and elicited communication. Spontaneous communication was more likely than elicited communication to occur during academic activities. Taiwanese children with autism produced more spontaneous Communication than did Australian children with autism. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.