Publications

Jameson, M., & Bean, A. (2025b). Implications of linguistic convergence and divergence among matched and mixed autistic and non-autistic communication partners. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2025_JSLHR-24-00827 

Jameson and Bean (2025) examined how autistic and non-autistic adults adapt their language when communicating with partners of the same or different neurotypes. They found that matched autistic pairs showed stronger overall syntactic convergence across interactions than matched non-autistic pairs, and greater convergence was linked to stronger rapport for both groups. In contrast, mixed pairs demonstrated semantic divergence, while matched pairs showed little change in alignment. These findings highlight that autistic communicators engage in meaningful linguistic entrainment, supporting the double empathy theory and emphasizing the strengths of autistic-to-autistic communication.

Jameson, M., & Bean, A. (2025a). Mutual understanding: The role of neurotype-matching and perceptions in communication effectiveness. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2025_AJSLP-25-00043

Jameson and Bean (2025) investigated how communication success is shaped by whether autistic and non-autistic adults are paired with partners of the same or different neurotypes. In structured tasks, matched autistic pairs communicated more accurately but less efficiently than matched non-autistic pairs, while mixed-neurotype pairs reported the lowest rapport. Autistic participants also showed greater accuracy and confidence in identifying their partner’s neurotype. These findings highlight that communication effectiveness is influenced by neurotype-matching, supporting the idea that autistic communication is not deficient but different. Furthermore, these findings underscore the need for neurodiversity-affirming approaches to understanding interaction.

Oates, M., Bean, A., Kickbusch, R., & Sauer, S. (2024). Extending double empathy: Effects of neurotype-matching on communication success in an expository context. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 33(5), 2364–2377. https://doi.org/10.1044/2024_AJSLP-23-00393

Oates, Bean, Kickbusch, and Sauer (2024) expanded on Milton’s Double Empathy theory by studying how communication differs when autistic and non-autistic adults interact with partners of the same or different neurotypes. In a task where pairs gave and followed directions, matched neurotype partners communicated more accurately than mixed pairs, though mixed pairs spoke faster. Interestingly, autistic pairs reported lower feelings of rapport than other groups. These findings challenge deficit-based views of autistic communication and highlight the importance of neurodiversity-affirming support in contexts like classrooms and workplaces.

Oates, M., McCauley, R., & Bean, A. (2024). Exploring online communication in self-identified autistic adolescents. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 67(4), 1165–1172. https://doi.org/10.1044/2024_JSLHR-23-00707

In this study, Oates, McCauley, and Bean (2024) examined how autistic adolescents use language in online forums and whether these patterns reflect face-to-face communication. Analyzing posts from nearly 200 self-identified autistic teens, the researchers found that autistic girls and boys showed similar gender-related language differences online as they do in person. However, these patterns were not consistent with those typically reported for neurotypical adolescents. The findings suggest that autistic youth may express gender through language differently than neurotypical peers, emphasizing the importance of analyzing both online and offline communication to better understand the social interactions of autistic adolescents.

Oates, M., & Bean, A. (2023b). Qualitative analysis of the experiences and perspectives of autistic speech-language pathologists. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 32(5), 2178–2191. https://doi.org/10.1044/2023_AJSLP-22-00399

Oates and Bean (2023) explored the experiences of autistic speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to better understand how they navigate the intersection of their professional and personal identities. Through in-depth interviews with five certified SLPs, the study identified four central themes: evolving views of autistic identity, communication challenges across neurotypes, experiences of stigma and ableism (including disclosure concerns in the workplace), and the use of neurodiversity-affirming practices in clinical care. This work highlights both the unique strengths and challenges faced by autistic SLPs and underscores the importance of fostering inclusivity and support within the profession.

Oates, M., & Bean, A. (2023a). Intersecting effects of sex/gender and autism on structural language: A scoping review. Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 27(7), 1876–1890. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613221151095

This scoping review by Oates & Bean (2023) explores how structural language skills, such as vocabulary, grammar, and storytelling, differ across sex and gender in autism research. The authors analyzed 24 studies published between 2000 and 2021. They found that autistic girls often show stronger language abilities than autistic boys, but typically score lower than non-autistic girls. These differences may help explain why autistic girls are underdiagnosed when compared to boys. The review also highlights that most research still overlooks gender diversity, with almost no studies including transgender or nonbinary participants. Overall, the article calls for more inclusive, gender-aware diagnostic practices and supports that reflect the diverse experiences of autistic individuals.