The Relationship between Emotion and Language Development amongst Infants and Toddlers at Differential Risk for Autism Open Access

Abstract

A defining feature for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is social communication challenges, which can compromise the ability to form meaningful connections with others and their overall well-being. The present study examined the relationship between emotional expression and language development in children with ASD. Secondary data analysis of data drawn from a study at Marcus Autism Center was performed. The participants (N = 345) were infants and toddlers at differential risk for ASD with the following completed measures:  the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales (CSBS), and the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (Mullen). It was found that: risk status for ASD is associated with both emotional regulation and language development; there is a significant positive correlation between the range and appropriateness of emotional expression and language abilities; the interaction between the risk for ASD and emotional expression had a non-significant effect on language, but the interaction between ADOS classification and emotional expression had a significant effect on receptive and expressive language. Given the potential implications of this study’s findings, further research is necessary to better understand the effects of emotional regulation on non-verbal communication.

Table of Contents

Introduction............................................................1

Methods..................................................................7

Results……………………………………………………….....12

Discussion…………………………………...………………...17

Conclusion………………………………………………….....22

References…………………………………………………......24

Appendices………………………………………………….....30

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	Psychology
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Clinical
Keyword	autism spectrum disorder emotional expression language development emotional regulation social communication challenges
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Nancy Bliwise, Emory University Cheryl Klaiman, Emory University
Committee Members	Stephen Nowicki, Emory University Miriam Udel, Emory University

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