Investigation of communicative behaviors and communication functions of Turkish individuals with autism spectrum disorder through Communication Matrix

Objectives: This study investigates the communication functions and communicative behaviors of Turkish individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), using the Turkish adaptation of the Communication Matrix. Methods: Thirty participants with ASD (24 males, six females; age 2;5-22;11) were assessed using the Turkish Communication Matrix, the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and Denver-II Developmental Screening Test. Based on the CARS scores, the participants were categorized into mild-moderate and moderate-severe autism groups. Differences in Communication Matrix scores between the groups were analyzed using the Mann Whitney-U Test, while the relationship between Communication Matrix and CARS scores was examined through Spearman's correlation. Results: Mild-to-moderate autistic participants exhibited more often and diverse communication functions and communicative behaviors, especially in behavior regulation (refuse and obtain), social interaction, and information-seeking or information-providing behaviors than those with moderate-to-severe autism. Significant differences emerged in communicative behaviors for social interaction and information-seeking or information-providing behaviors. A significant negative correlation was observed between CARS scores and communicative behaviors for social interaction and information-seeking or information-providing behaviors. Conclusions: Increased autism severity reduces the diversity and functionality of communicative behaviors. Social interaction and information-seeking or information-providing behaviors are the skills that are most impacted by autism severity.