The Oral and Written Language Scales: Is it useful for older children with autism spectrum disorder?

Communication impairment is a defining feature of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Little research attention has been devoted to establishing standardized methods for defining and identifying language impairment in children with known or suspected ASD. The present study examines the feasibility and utility of the Oral and Written Language Scales (OWLS) among 70 children with ASD and matched controls (aged 6-21 years). More than 87% of children with ASD were able to complete the OWLS and achieve a true basal score. Scores on the OWLS differentiated children with ASD from their typically developing peers and non-ASD children matched on nonverbal cognitive functioning. Findings suggest that the OWLS is a feasible measure for the large majority of older children with ASD and useful in identifying a variety of language impairments. Findings have implications for standardizing ASD evaluations and achieving greater diagnostic consistency.