Conversation Analysis: A Methodology for Diagnosing Autism

Abstract

The present study examines the conversational turn-taking patterns in autist-neurotypical talk. The objective of the study is to find out the distinctive features of autist-normal conversations. This study is cross-sectional, descriptive and qualitative in its nature. Recordings are done in anautism center in Lahore for a period of ten days. It is mainly a qualitative study in its nature. Five autistic children of different ages are selected from an autism center in Lahore. The data for the study is collected through video recording of the conversations between autists and speech therapists. The sample is selected through convenient sampling and analysis is done by following the methods of conversation analysis. The results of the analysis highlight certain distinct features of autist child-therapist talk which are not observed in the normal ordinary conversation. However, there is not a total violation of the conversation rules on the part of autists. Moreover, the findings of the research show that conversational patterns in autist-normal conversation are also affected by the chronological age of the autists. Finally, the research concludes that conversation analysis can be used as a tool for the identification of autism.