Function of laughter from a student with autism

The potential communicative functions of seemingly random outbursts of laughter from individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has yet to be fully researched. "Tyler," a 13-year old student with ASD who is included with his general education peers and exhibits the described behavior, is examined. A mixed-methods, intrinsic case study included video and audio observation, field notes, and a weekly parent survey to detail the child's laughter and the environment in which it occurred. Fifty-three episodes of laughter were analyzed using elements of functional behavioral analysis, acoustic analysis, and analysis of associated physical aspects (such as accompanying gaze and physical gesture). A gaze at the student's paraprofessional and a co-occurring full body movement emerged as the significant relationship suggesting a communicative intent to Tyler's laughter. Implication for inclusion practices and future research are discussed.