Parents, Take Note! Learning A Second Language Could Help Kids With Autism!

Learning a second language may seem like an unconventional way to support children with autism, but new research suggests that bilingualism can improve cognitive and social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A study published in Autism Research found that multilingual children with autism displayed better impulse control and perspective-taking skills compared to their monolingual peers.

How Bilingualism Helps Kids with Autism

According to lead researcher Lucina Uddin, a professor of psychiatry and developmental psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles, speaking more than one language requires constant cognitive control. "If you have to juggle two languages, you have to suppress one in order to use the other," Uddin explained. This ability to switch between languages strengthens inhibition—the skill of stopping oneself from acting impulsively—which is often challenging for children with 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, along with 35 typically developing children. Most of the bilingual participants spoke English and Spanish, while others spoke languages such as French, Hebrew, Portuguese, Japanese, and Bulgarian in addition to English.

Bilingual Children Show Better Impulse Control

Researchers assessed the children's executive functioning skills, which include problem-solving, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Parents also completed questionnaires evaluating their child’s ability to understand other people's perspectives and engage in social communication.

The findings revealed that bilingual children with autism had stronger impulse control and perspective-taking skills than monolingual children with ASD. The researchers suggested that switching between languages forces children to interpret social cues and decide which language to use, enhancing their ability to understand different perspectives.

Moreover, the mental exercise of learning and using multiple languages strengthens cognitive flexibility, which can be particularly beneficial for children on the autism spectrum. The study concluded that multilingualism at home could serve as a "natural intervention" to enhance certain mental functions in children with ASD.

How Multilingualism Enhances Brain Functioning

Beyond autism, learning multiple languages has been linked to numerous cognitive benefits. Here’s how multilingualism boosts brain functioning:

1. Improves Memory – Learning and switching between languages strengthens working memory, making it easier to retain and recall information.

2. Enhances Problem-Solving Skills – Bilingual individuals tend to analyze situations more effectively and think more flexibly.

3. Strengthens Focus and Attention – Managing two languages trains the brain to filter out distractions and focus on relevant information.

4. Boosts Social Skills – Understanding different languages helps individuals interpret social cues, tone, and body language more effectively.

5. Delays Cognitive Decline – Studies show that bilingualism can delay dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by keeping the brain actively engaged.

Encouraging Multilingualism in Children

Given the cognitive and social benefits of bilingualism, parents are encouraged to introduce a second language at an early age. Here are some simple ways to do so:

- Speak a second language at home – If parents are bilingual, they can incorporate both languages into daily conversations.

- Read bilingual books – Exposing children to books in multiple languages helps reinforce vocabulary and comprehension.

- Use language-learning apps – Fun, interactive tools like Duolingo and Lingokids can make learning enjoyable.

- Encourage cultural immersion – Watching movies, listening to music, or engaging with native speakers can help children learn naturally.

This study shows the unexpected cognitive advantages of multilingualism for children with autism. By learning a second language, children with ASD can develop stronger executive function skills, improved impulse control, and better social understanding. While more research is needed, encouraging bilingualism could serve as a valuable tool to support children on the autism spectrum—and enhance brain function for all.

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