Bilingualism and Autism: is it possible? It’s a question many parents and caregivers ponder, especially in households where multiple languages are spoken. Despite some outdated myths, research has shown that bilingualism is not only possible for autistic children, but can also offer unique benefits. From enhancing cognitive flexibility to fostering deeper family connections, raising a bilingual autistic child can be a rewarding journey. However, like any parenting decision, it’s important to consider your child’s individual needs and communication style.
Choosing which languages to teach children in a multilingual family is a tough question. Chz_mhOng/Shutterstock
Diagnosed with autism and delayed language development, five-year-old Jose lives with his bilingual English-Spanish family in the UK. In addition to all the important decisions that a family with an autistic child has to take, Jose’s parents must also consider what languages to teach him and how. They would like Jose to learn English so he can make friends and do well at school. But they also value Spanish – the native language of Jose’s mother.
The family’s tricky situation was described in a study from 2013, and illustrates a problem that affects many families around the world. But is it possible to raise a child with autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders to be bilingual? And, if so, does it help or hinder the autistic experience? Let’s take a look at the evidence.
A common belief is that, if learning one language is hard for a child, then two languages will be even more difficult. The assumption is that if a family uses a single language, it will make things easier for the child. That single language is almost always the dominant one in society. This means that families who have been using a minority language at home are often advised by professionals to switch to the majority language.
Until recently, there was much uncertainty about the evidence related to bilingualism and autism. However, a review showed that bilingualism does not have negative effects on language, social skills or cognitive skills such as memory and attention, across a range of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Benefits of bilingualism
In the case of autism, researchers have found some preliminary positive effects of bilingualism on communication and social functioning. Recent studies on bilingual autistic children from around the world show that they have comparable language skills to monolingual children with the condition. These studies also show that they acquire social and cognitive skills at a similar rate, and that they are better at using non-verbal communication, such as gestures. Zubada/shutterstock
What’s more, “forced monolingualism” – the practice of reducing a child’s exposure to just one language when the family is bilingual – can negatively affect the child’s communication skills and disrupt the seamless function of the family. Evidence suggests that children benefit most from hearing a lot of spoken language, with parents engaging children in conversation about things that interest them with varied vocabulary and complex sentence structures. This is something parents may not be able to provide when speaking a non-native language.
As such, recommending bilingual families to use only one language may be well intended but misguided advice. Being monolingual in a bilingual family or community can limit the child’s communication opportunities and deny them full participation in family and community life. Speaking only one language does not ease the difficulties faced by autistic children, but rather turns them into monolinguals. By contrast, developing both languages allows them to interact with their loved ones in a meaningful way.
Practical advice
So what should families do? The most important thing is to encourage parents to make an informed, evidence-based decision about language choices and the potential impact on their child’s development. We also suggest that the language use of the child and all people the child interacts with – teachers, therapists, family members, peers – should be considered when making the important decision about whether to pursue monolingualism or bilingualism.
It is also important that the assessment and intervention by speech and language therapists should be culturally sensitive and target each of the child’s languages. This ensures not only a valid assessment of the child’s true linguistic skills but also the best possible therapy outcomes. The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists in the UK is at the forefront of championing the provision of services in both languages of a bilingual client.
This story was written in collaboration with Napoleon Katsos and Jenny Gibson
By Ozge Ozturk, Research Associate of Modern Languages, University of Cambridge and Katie Howard, PhD candidate of Modern Languages, University of Cambridge
This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
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BabyYumYum FAQs: Bilingualism and Autism – Can You and Should You?
Is it possible for an autistic child to learn more than one language?
Yes. Many autistic children are capable of learning and using multiple languages. Their ability to develop bilingual skills varies widely from child to child, just as it does with neurotypical children.
Will learning two languages confuse my autistic child?
Research generally indicates that bilingualism does not cause confusion or worsen language delays in autistic children. In fact, for families who speak multiple languages at home, consistent use of both can support stronger family communication.
Should I only speak one language to avoid overwhelming my child?
If you naturally use more than one language at home or in your community, limiting your child to a single language may not be necessary. Speaking the languages that are meaningful in daily life often helps maintain emotional bonds and cultural connections.
Does bilingualism cause additional speech or language delays in autism?
Most evidence suggests that bilingual autistic children do not exhibit more severe language delays than monolingual autistic children. Delays, if present, are more directly linked to the child’s developmental profile than the number of languages learned.
How can I support my autistic child’s bilingual language development?
Consistency: Use both languages regularly in natural contexts.
Visual Supports: Reinforce spoken language with gestures, pictures, or communication apps.
Repetition: Repeat words and phrases to help cement understanding.
Professional Support: Seek guidance from speech and language therapists, particularly those experienced in bilingualism and autism.
What if my child struggles with switching between languages?
Language switching (or code-switching) can be more challenging for some children, but it’s a natural part of bilingual language use. With patience, consistent practice, and supportive teaching methods, many autistic children can learn to navigate both languages effectively.
Will bilingualism help or hinder social communication?
Bilingualism may actually broaden a child’s communication opportunities within multicultural settings and families. Learning more than one language can foster better connections with extended family members or peers who speak different languages.
Can bilingualism increase cognitive demands for my autistic child?
While learning multiple languages can add cognitive complexity, it also offers potential cognitive benefits, such as enhanced problem-solving and flexibility. Each child’s response varies, so consider individual strengths and support needs.
Should I consult professionals about raising my autistic child bilingually?
Yes. Speech and language therapists or other experts familiar with both autism and bilingualism can offer tailored strategies. Their input can help you balance your child’s language needs with cultural or familial preferences.
How do I decide if bilingualism is right for my family?
Reflect on your family’s natural language use, cultural ties, and community environment. If multiple languages are integral to your daily life, there’s often no need to limit your child to a single language. With appropriate support, many autistic children can thrive in a bilingual setting.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general educational purposes and should not replace personalised medical advice. If you have questions about bilingualism and autism, consult a qualified healthcare professional or speech and language therapist for tailored guidance.
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