Longitudinal Social and Communication Outcomes in Children with Autism Raised in Bi/Multilingual Environments

Samantha Siyambalapitiya, Jessica Paynter, Vishnu K.K. Nair, Christina Reuterskiöld, Madonna Tucker, David Trembath

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Globally, there are more bilingual speakers than monolingual speakers; however, scant research evidence exists regarding social communication development and outcomes for bilingual children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A stronger evidence base will facilitate health professionals and educators providing accurate recommendations regarding language use. This study employed a longitudinal cohort design to compare social and communication skills, at baseline and over 12 months, for 60 monolingual and 60 bilingual children with ASD receiving community based early intervention. We found few differences at intake, and no difference in the magnitude of change over 12 months for this cohort. Findings support the notion that there is no basis on which to discourage home language use with bilingual children with ASD.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)339-348
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Volume52
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2022

Keywords

  • Autism
  • Bilingualism
  • Early intervention
  • Home language
  • Social-communication outcomes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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