EFFECTS OF BILINGUALISM ON ASD CHILDREN 1
The Effects of Bilingualism on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Student: Denise Linders (i6216664)
Supervisor: Cynthia van de Wauw
Course: Skills IV Academic Writing – PSY2144
Word count: 2551
Assignment due date: 16.05.2022
Maastricht University
Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience
, EFFECTS OF BILINGUALISM ON ASD CHILDREN 2
Abstract
Much research indicates that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience
difficulties in multiple aspects like language development and cognitive functions. Some
studies argue that bilingualism could improve these aspects. In this review, it has been
examined whether bilingual children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have more
benefits than monolingual ASD children. When a child is diagnosed with ASD, parents are
often advised by professionals against raising the child bilingually. Although there is limited
research on the effects of bilingualism for children with ASD, several studies have indicated
that bilingualism has effects on language development, cognitive functions and social
communication. Bilingualism does not negatively affect the language development of children
with ASD. Their expressive vocabulary and comprehension of language are similar to the
typically developed children. Bilinguals with ASD perform better at executive functioning
tasks than monolinguals. Also, their attention system is advanced due to bilingualism. They
should even perform better on theory of mind tasks than monolingual children with ASD. The
social interaction of the bilingual children with ASD could be enhanced by the bilingual
aspect. In addition, it was found that they used more pretend play and gestures, which
enhances social communication. It is concluded that bilingualism does not have a negative
effect on children with ASD. Therefore, professionals should not discourage parents to raise
their children monolingual. Further research is necessary to draw firm conclusions.
Keywords: bilingualism; Autism Spectrum Disorder; children; cognitive; language
development; social communication
The Effects of Bilingualism on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Student: Denise Linders (i6216664)
Supervisor: Cynthia van de Wauw
Course: Skills IV Academic Writing – PSY2144
Word count: 2551
Assignment due date: 16.05.2022
Maastricht University
Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience
, EFFECTS OF BILINGUALISM ON ASD CHILDREN 2
Abstract
Much research indicates that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience
difficulties in multiple aspects like language development and cognitive functions. Some
studies argue that bilingualism could improve these aspects. In this review, it has been
examined whether bilingual children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have more
benefits than monolingual ASD children. When a child is diagnosed with ASD, parents are
often advised by professionals against raising the child bilingually. Although there is limited
research on the effects of bilingualism for children with ASD, several studies have indicated
that bilingualism has effects on language development, cognitive functions and social
communication. Bilingualism does not negatively affect the language development of children
with ASD. Their expressive vocabulary and comprehension of language are similar to the
typically developed children. Bilinguals with ASD perform better at executive functioning
tasks than monolinguals. Also, their attention system is advanced due to bilingualism. They
should even perform better on theory of mind tasks than monolingual children with ASD. The
social interaction of the bilingual children with ASD could be enhanced by the bilingual
aspect. In addition, it was found that they used more pretend play and gestures, which
enhances social communication. It is concluded that bilingualism does not have a negative
effect on children with ASD. Therefore, professionals should not discourage parents to raise
their children monolingual. Further research is necessary to draw firm conclusions.
Keywords: bilingualism; Autism Spectrum Disorder; children; cognitive; language
development; social communication
