Les objets en tant que médiateurs de la communication chez les enfants atteints de troubles du spectre autistique

Translated title of the contribution: [Autom. eng. transl.] Objects as mediators of communication in children with autism spectrum disorders

Federico Manzi*, Giulia Savarese, Monica Mollo

*Corresponding author

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

[Autom. eng. transl.] In recent years, the sociomaterial perspective has fueled an important interdisciplinary debate regarding the role of the physical world (i.e., objects) in human psychological development. Several studies in the field of developmental psychology have shown positive results in explaining the relationship between the subject and the social context through a sociomaterial approach, particularly early in development. The importance of objects has also been recognized in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), through work showing that these children are characterized by alterations in the use of objects from the beginning of development. Some studies have highlighted that objects can facilitate interactions between children with ASD and their peers. However, the role of objects has not been sufficiently studied in interactions between children with ASD and adults. The main objective of the present study is to examine in children with ASD the communicative function that activities with objects play in interactions with adults, highlighting the mediating role of objects in these interactions. More generally, this study also aims to highlight the relevance of adopting a sociomaterial perspective to highlight certain neglected aspects of the psychological activity of children with ASD. To test this hypothesis, we conducted an in-depth exploratory study, collecting data from a sample of three-year-old (N=18; F=3) and four-year-old (N=26; F=3) children. with ASD. The children were observed in a free play situation with an adult. They were free to choose an object from a predefined set. Through quantitative data, we described the general characteristics of object manipulation; through qualitative data, we sought to capture and describe, in microgenetic sequences, certain characteristics of children's activities, defined as sociomaterial. The analysis of sociomaterial activities suggests the role of objects as a mediator of interactions between children with ASD and adults.
Translated title of the contribution[Autom. eng. transl.] Objects as mediators of communication in children with autism spectrum disorders
Original languageFrench
Title of host publicationExpériences sociomatérielles. Objets, interactions, espaces
Pages79-105
Number of pages27
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Keywords

  • objets
  • spectre autistique

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