COMMUNICATION SKILLS EXHIBITED BY A CHILD WITH ASPERGER SYNDROME

Abstract

Autistic children experience verbal and nonverbal communication disorders categorized as primary language disorders and secondary language disorders. The disorder can affect all levels of language and persist into adulthood. In addition, the disorder can have a wide impact on the life of sufferers. On the other hand, the number of people with autism in Indonesia is increasing every year. This study aimed to examine an Asperger Syndrome child’s communication skills using Scovel’s theory which includes four stages, namely conceptualization, formulation, articulation, and self-monitoring. The research design used in this study is qualitative descriptive with the Single Subject Research (SSR) method. Data were gathered from an Asperger Syndrome child registered at SLB 1 in Makassar, through observation, interviews, and documentation. The research instruments were composed of the researcher as the primary instrument, and supporting instruments, which comprised an instrument to assess autism ability, observation guides, interview guides, and recording devices. The autism ability instrument is guided by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Data analysis techniques are data transcription, data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion withdrawal. The findings revealed that the child’s level 2-conceptualization ability (requires great support) was influenced by his level of focus, frequency of learning topics, and expression of desire. The child’s formulation ability was at level 2 (needs considerable assistance) and was influenced by his attentiveness and comprehension of a topic. The articulation ability exhibited by the child was at level 1 (needs support) with several articulation disorders, including substitution (sound changes), omission, addition, and distortion (clutter). Due to the child’s inability to recognize speech errors, his self-monitoring ability was classified into level 3 (requires enormous support). Variations in the level of ability shown by the child are a manifestation of deficits in Asperger’s Syndrome.