How bilingualism benefits children with autism

[WORLD] Bilingualism, once thought to be potentially confusing for children, is now being recognized for its substantial cognitive and social benefits. Recent studies, especially those targeting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), are shedding light on how multilingualism can support their development. In particular, research from the University of Miami and the journal Autism Research demonstrates how bilingualism helps children with autism enhance executive functions and social communication, crucial areas that can be challenging for them.

The Link Between Bilingualism and Executive Function

Executive functions encompass a range of cognitive processes that allow individuals to control their thoughts and behaviors to achieve specific goals. For children with autism, these skills are often underdeveloped, impacting decision-making, impulse control, and adaptability. However, research by Celia Romero and her team found that bilingual children, including those with autism, performed better in these areas. "We discovered that multilingualism is associated with improvements in executive function, which in turn is associated with improvements in autism symptoms," explains Dr. Lynn Perry, a co-author of the study.

The study analyzed the cognitive skills of 112 children aged seven to 12, including both neurotypical children and those with autism. The findings clearly showed that children who spoke two or more languages exhibited better impulse control and were better able to switch between tasks than their monolingual peers. This ability is crucial for navigating daily challenges and adjusting to new situations—skills that are often difficult for children with ASD.

Social Communication Benefits

Another major benefit of bilingualism highlighted in the study is improved perspective-taking, an essential skill for social communication. Understanding another person’s thoughts or viewpoint can be particularly challenging for children with autism, as they often struggle with social cues. However, the study found that multilingual children had a better ability to comprehend and respond to others' perspectives.

Romero elaborates on this, stating, "We also found that multilingual children have enhanced perspective-taking skills, or the ability to understand someone else’s thoughts or point of view." This improvement could significantly benefit children with autism, who often face challenges in building social relationships.

The Phenomenon of Joint Activation

One explanation for these cognitive improvements lies in the phenomenon known as joint activation. This occurs when multiple brain regions activate simultaneously in response to a task or perception. For bilingual individuals, this happens more frequently as their brains manage the complexity of juggling different languages. As a result, these brain regions work more efficiently, promoting better learning, memory, and decision-making.

Dr. Lucina Uddin, a co-author of the study and developmental psychologist at UCLA, highlights the role of inhibition in bilingualism. "If you have to juggle two languages, you have to suppress one in order to use the other," she explains. This constant need for brain inhibition strengthens the mechanisms that help control impulses and focus attention. These cognitive benefits could significantly improve everyday functioning for children with autism, who often have difficulties with attention control and impulse regulation.

Bilingualism as a Supportive Tool for Autism

Parents of children with autism may worry about introducing multiple languages, fearing that it could complicate their child’s development. However, the research suggests that such concerns are unnecessary. Instead of hindering development, bilingualism seems to support and enhance cognitive functions that are often challenging for children with autism.

This perspective is crucial, especially considering how bilingualism is common in many parts of the world. As more research surfaces showing that multilingualism can positively impact brain development, it becomes clear that teaching children with autism more than one language can be beneficial, not detrimental.

The growing body of research surrounding bilingualism and its effects on children with autism provides a compelling argument for encouraging multilingualism in these children. Not only does bilingualism help improve executive functions, but it also enhances social communication skills, which are vital for their overall development. As Dr. Lynn Perry concludes, "It was exciting to see how far-reaching those differences were in this research."

For parents of children with autism, this study offers a hopeful and reassuring message: multilingualism can be an asset. By fostering bilingualism, they may help their children gain essential skills that will aid in both cognitive development and social integration. As more evidence supports these findings, bilingualism could become a key tool in the development and well-being of children with autism.