Speech intonation of autistic children & its effect on their social communication

Abstract

This lecture explores how atypical prosody—including monotone speech, irregular vocal patterns, and limited pitch variation—affects the social communication abilities of children with autism. Research has shown that these prosodic differences, such as flat intonation or inappropriate stress, are among the most persistent communication challenges faced by autistic individuals. Even when vocabulary and sentence structure improve, these vocal traits often remain unchanged, influencing how others perceive their social competence.

Because prosody plays a critical role in expressing emotion, intent, and nuanced meaning, its absence can make autistic speech appear robotic or odd, limiting the child’s ability to connect and develop social skills. The session will offer insights and practical strategies for therapists, educators, and parents to better support prosodic development and enhance effective communication.