Abstract
Central Coherence Theory (; ) may account for the piecemeal style of information processing characteristic of people with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). This style of processing was observed during language and communication assessments of pupils with ASD. A consistent pattern in the types of these responses emerged, such that it was possible to devise a framework to categorise them.
This article investigates the responses of two groups of eight pupils matched on the basis of gender and verbal ability: i) pupils with a diagnosis of ASD, and ii) pupils without identified difficulties. They were presented with a range of picture materials and their responses were placed within a framework of seven response categories. It was felt that the types of errors made by the two groups differed both quantitatively and qualitatively, and that the type and extent of the errors made by the pupils with ASD were largely attributable to the presence of weak central coherence.
Despite the presence of some limitations in the way the investigation was conducted, it was concluded that these methods might contribute toward the assessment and differential diagnosis of ASD.