Perception of prosodic speech patterns of autistic individuals

This study examines the perception of prosodic speech patterns of autistic individuals. Conversational speech samples from eight autistic and eight neurotypical speakers were perceptually evaluated by 50 neurotypical listeners on the speakers’ likeability and ability to communicate. Listeners were told whether or not the speaker was autistic or neurotypical, but the listeners were misled regarding whether or not the speaker was autistic on half of the samples. It is hoped that the findings will lead to knowledge regarding whether prosodic speech patterns or label of autistic or neurotypical contribute more heavily on perceived likeability and ability to communicate.