Autistic People's Access to Bilingualism and Additional Language Learning: Identifying the Barriers and Facilitators for Equal Opportunities

Abstract

Bilingualism is a valuable tool that enriches and facilitates cultural, social and lived experiences for autistic and non-autistic people alike. Research consistently finds no negative effects of bilingualism and highlights the potential for positive effects across cognitive and socio-cultural domains for autistic and non-autistic children. Yet parents of autistic children remain concerned that bilingualism will cause delays in both cognitive and language development and are still frequently advised by practitioners to raise their child monolingually. Evidently, findings from research are not reflected in practice or subsequent advice, and it is essential to identify ways to ensure equal access to additional language learning. We briefly summarise the existing literature on bilingualism and autism, considering perspectives from the bilingual autistic community, and experimental research. We identify the most pertinent barriers to participation for autistic bilingual children in terms of familial, clinical and educational perspectives. We propose novel solutions to promote additional language learning and suggest changes to practice that will contribute to an evidence base for families and practitioners. This commentary makes innovative recommendations at both the individual and societal level to ensure that autistic bilingual people have equal rights and opportunities to language learning and are optimally supported in accessing them.

“The Languages That You Know Draw the Boundary of Your World”: A Thematic Analysis of the Experiences of Autistic Bilingual Adults Living in the United Kingdom

“…For others, it is due to bilingualism shaping their own self-understanding -for example allowing them to access interests and hobbies, set their own goals, broaden their perspectives, or better understand their own abilities. These findings highlight the importance of supporting bilingual autistic children, 42 as it is evident that bilingualism can act as an additional tool to help autistic people thrive within their community, family and own individual identity. In addition, it is equally crucial to support autistic people who want to become bilingual, as this skill can open doors for additional opportunities.…”

Bilingual Language Development in Infancy: What Can We Do to Support Bilingual Families?

“…Historically, professionals have often recommended to bilingual families that they should only use one language when raising children with developmental disorders. However, such recommendations are not evidence-based and can decrease both the amount of high-quality speech infants hear and opportunities to practice conversational skills (Davis et al, 2021;Kaiser et al, 2001). Further, the inability to communicate in a heritage language may exclude the child from family culture and values (Kay-Raining Bird et al, 2012).…”

Bilingual language development in infancy: What can we do to support bilingual families?

“…Historically, professionals have often recommended to bilingual families that they should only use one language when raising children with developmental disorders. However, such recommendations are not evidence-based and can decrease both the amount of high-quality speech infants hear and opportunities to practice conversational skills (Davis et al, 2021;Kaiser et al, 2001). Further, the inability to communicate in a heritage language may exclude the child from family culture and values (Kay-Raining Bird et al, 2012).…”