An article published recently in Spectrum News discusses whether learning more than one language is beneficial for children with ASD. Given that children with ASD often have difficulties with language learning, multilingual families in the U.S. are usually advised to speak to their child only in English. However, a few studies indicate that children with ASD: (1) can learn two languages as well as they learn one; and (2) may become more socially isolated if their family speaks to them in a non-native language (e.g., English) in which they are not fully proficient. Because there is now considerable evidence that multilingualism is associated with cognitive benefits in typically developing children, additional studies are needed to empirically examine the potential benefits of multilingualism for children with ASD and other developmental disorders. To read the article in its entirety, click here.
