Introduction
Lorenzo Bernardi and Arjuna Tuzzi
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a form of pervasive developmental disorder
characterized by complex communication needs and early onset. The “triad” of symptoms for diagnosing ASD includes three areas: (a) social interaction; (b) language and communication; (c) behavior, activities, and interests (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Complex qualitative and quantitative language and communication needs are acknowledged among the specific characteristics of this disorder, though defining and identifying these “needs” often proves a difficult task (Boucher, 2003; Sikora, Hartley, Mccoy, Gerrard-Morris, & Dill, 2008; Snyder, Miller, & Stein, 2008). Enhancing effective communication in everyday life and investigating new ways to help individuals with ASD (IWA) to communicate are fundamental issues (Tager-Flusberg & Caronna, 2007; Ostryn, 2008; Koegel & Brown, 2007) and, more in general, recent results (Rapin & Tuchman, 2008) stress the growing need for special services and treatments for an increasing number of children (and adults).