Parents, pay attention! Learning another language can help children autism! (Image Credit: ISTOCK)
Learning second language can be an unconventional way to support with children autismBut new research shows that bilingualism can improve cognitive and social skills in children Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A study published in Autism Research found that multiple multilingual children displayed better impulse controls and perspectives skills than their monolingual peers.
How bilingualism helps children autism
According to lead researcher Lucina Udin, a professor of psychiatry and developmental psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles, more than one languages require continuous cognitive control to speak more than one language. “If you have to flicker the two languages, you have to press one to use the other,” Udin explained. This ability to switch between languages strengthens prohibition – the skill of preventing yourself from impulsive acting – which is often challenging for autism.
The study analyzed 116 children between the ages of 7 and 12, including 53 with ASD. Among them, 21 children with autism were multilingual, as well as developing children. Most bilingual contestants spoke English and Spanish, while others spoke languages such as French, Hebrew, Portuguese, Japanese and Bulgarian.
Bilingual children show better impulse control
Researchers assessed children’s executive functioning skills, including problems-solution, decision making and emotional regulation. The parents also completed the questionnaire, evaluating their child’s ability to understand the attitude of other people and to engage in social communication.
The findings showed that bilingual children suffering from autism had strong impulse control and perspective skills compared to monolingual children with ASD. Researchers suggested that the switch between languages forces children to explain social signals and increase their ability to understand various approaches to decide which language to use.
In addition, mental practice of learning and using many languages strengthen cognitive flexibility, which can be particularly beneficial for children on autism spectrum. The study concluded that the home can serve as a “natural intervention” to increase some mental functions in children with multi -linguistic ASDs.
How multiple legislature enhances brain functioning
Beyond autism, learning many languages is associated with many cognitive benefits. Here is how multi -languageism enhances brain functioning:
1. Improves memory – learning and switching between languages strengthens memory, making it easier to maintain and remember information.
2. Increases the problem of problem-solving-individuals analyze situations more effectively and think more flexible.
3. Strengthens focus and attention – managing two languages trains the brain to train the brain and focus on relevant information.
4. Promotes social skills – understanding different languages helps individuals to explain social signals, tones and body language.
5. Cognitive decline – Studies suggest that bilateralism can delay dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by actively attaching the brain.
Encourage multiplicism in children
Given the cognitive and social benefits of bilateralism, the parents are encouraged to present a second language at an early age. Here are some simple ways to do this:
– Speak another language at home – If parents are bilingual, they can include both languages in daily conversation.
– Read bilingual books – Applying children in books in many languages helps to strengthen the vocabulary and understanding.
– Use language-learning apps- Funny, interactive tools like Duoolingo and Lingokids can make learning enjoyable.
– Encourage cultural immersion – Watching movies, listening to music, or attaching with native speakers can help children naturally learn.
This study reflects unexpected cognitive advantages of multi -languageism for autism. By learning another language, children with ASD can develop strong executive work skills, better impulse control and better social understanding. While more research is required, encouraging bilateralism can serve as a valuable tool to support children on the autism spectrum – and can increase brain function for all.
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