Lexicogrammatical Choices and Cognitive Patterns in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights from Self-Other Differentiation and Sense of Agency

This study investigates key lexicogrammatical differences between individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and non-ASD individuals, utilizing a corpus of spoken language from both ASD and non-ASD participants. Participants included 54 individuals with ASD (mean age = 20, SD = 6.83) and 70 non-ASD individuals (mean age = 21, SD = 6.72), all aged 15 and older. Framed within the Systemic Functional Linguistics model, the analysis focused on the TRANSITIVITY system, which organizes human experiences into six Process Types: Material, Mental, Relational, Behavioral, Verbal, and Existential. TRANSITIVITY system is essential for representing human experiences by categorizing them into processes, participants, and circumstantial elements. A t-test revealed a significant difference in the use of Existential Processes, with ASD individuals showing a higher frequency of expressions, such as aru (exist: inanimate) and iru (exist: animate), compared to non-ASD individuals. This suggests that individuals with ASD favor direct, concrete expressions of existence, which align with the ecological self—a cognitive orientation focused on immediate, physical interaction with the environment. This contrasts with more relational or socially mediated language, revealing distinct cognitive patterns in how ASD individuals perceive the world. The study examines the role of cognitive profiles in shaping lexicogrammatical choices, particularly in relation to self-other differentiation and agency. These findings underscore the link between cognitive functioning and language use, offering insights for ASD diagnosis. No prior studies have used lexicogrammatical choices as diagnostic markers for ASD, providing new perspectives on the relationship between cognition and language, with significant diagnostic implications.