Narratives of children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: The aim of this meta-analysis was to analyze the narrative performance of children and adolescents with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in terms of microstructure, macrostructure and internal state language.

Method: A systematic literature search yielded 24 studies that met the predetermined inclusion criteria. Effect sizes for each study were calculated for eight variables and analyzed using a random effects model. Intellectual ability, age and type of narrative were considered as potential moderators.

Results: Results revealed that the children with ASD performed significantly worse than their peers on all the variables considered.

Conclusions: Findings are discussed taking into account the main explanatory psychological autism theories. Implications for intervention and orientations for future research are suggested.

Keywords: Autism; Internal state language; Macrostructure; Meta-analysis; Microstructure; Narrative.