Abstract
This study examines the relationship between the expression of meaningful words and symbolic functioning and briefly describes a remedial therapy which is implemented in our Day Care Center based on a Ohta's developmental staging model. ‹A study› Sixty two autistic children were divided into two groups; the group with expression of meaningful words (meaningful word group, MWG, N=33), and the group without expression of meaningful words (no speech group, NSG, N=29). The NSG showed significantly lower scores on MA, IQ, DA and DQ than the MWG children did. However, there is no significant difference in age between the groups, The NSG also showed low symbolic functioning in terms of gesture, drawing and symbolic play, compared with the MWG. Ohta's staging clearly corressponded with competence in symbolic functioning.
‹Overview of a remedial therapy› In the Day Care Center, symbolic functioning of children is evaluated according to Ohta's staging, Children then receive stage-appropriate-tasks in a small groups.
It seems that stage-appropriate-tasks intrinsically enhance their motivation for learning, and facilitate their cognitive development.
