Prosodic analysis is difficult … but worth it: A study in high functioning autism

Abstract

This commentary on Peppé (2009) focuses on the methodology used in applying the Autosegmental Metrical (AM) theory and the ToBI (Tones and Break Indices) framework which we have adapted for Israeli Hebrew together with computer programmed scripts. This phonetic and phonological analysis of prosodic features allowed us to describe, compare and contrast the intonation of Hebrew-speaking children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders-High Functioning (ASD-HF) with matched peers who did not display developmental disorders. The data derived from the acoustic analyses and the scripts created for the purpose of our study have led to a better understanding of the prosodic behaviour of individuals with ASD-HF which is now being extended to further research.

Keywords:

• Phonology
• prosody
• methodology
• autism