Figurative language intervention for high-functioning ASD adolescents

Abstract

Figurative language comprehension impairment is one of the most characteristic features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Previous studies on language intervention programs and brain stimulation techniques have supported the feasibility of improving ASD individuals’ figurative language abilities through behavior intervention and non-invasive brain stimulation at language-related networks. The present study examined the efficacy of a newly developed figurative language intervention program, TOMICT. 54 high-functioning ASD adolescents aged 10-16 were recruited and randomly assigned to three conditions: (1) tACS and intervention group: participants received both theta tACS on left IFG and behavior intervention; (2) behavior intervention group: participants received behavior intervention but no tACS; (3) wait-list control group: participants received no intervention. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of figurative language abilities were conducted. Participants who received tACS and behavior intervention showed notably improvement in figurative language comprehension compared to the wait-list control group, and the combination of tACS and behavior intervention was more effective than behavior intervention alone. The current study provides empirical support for the effectiveness of theta tACS in left IFG and the behavior intervention program in enhancing high-functioning ASD adolescents’ pragmatic abilities, which sheds light on future research and clinical practice.