The project ACTE (Autism in Context: Theory and Experience) started in 2015 at the Université libre de Bruxelles. Our main objective is to contribute to a better understanding of the nature and origins of communication difficulties and language delays in Autism Spectrum Disorder. We bring together investigation techniques from cognitive psychology and linguistics within an ecological research program, whose experimental dimension is geared towards specific sensibilities of children and adults with autism. Current research topics of our team include:
· The role of perspective-taking in word learning by young children with autism;
· The impact of bilingualism on cognitive and linguistic development in autism;
· The management of discourse and conversation by adolescents and adults with autism;
· The comprehension of deception and non-literal language in autism;
· The role of sleep disorders in language acquisition and emotional regulation in autism;
· Multimodal perception in autism.
Across all modules of the ACTE project, we take into account the great heterogeneity that characterises the autism spectrum. Whenever possible, we will also attempt to gain insight to children’s individual progression and evolution, by designing longitudinal studies.
In addition to our research team, the project also involves various collaborations with professionals specialized in autism such as a diagnosis reference center (Pediatric Unit of the HUDERF) and a specialized school (Nos Pilifs) and enjoys the support of some associations such as Inforautisme, GAMP, APEPA. ACTE also benefits from international collaborations in academia (Institut des Sciences Cognitives de Lyon, University of Cambridge and University of British Columbia). ACTE is supported by the Fonds National de Recherche Scientifique de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, Université libre de Bruxelles, the Wiener-Anspach Foundation, the ULB Foundation, the Jean-François Peterbroeck Foundation and Marguerite-Marie Delacroix's relief funds.
