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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

An Automated Method for Assessing Visual Acuity in Infants and Toddlers Using an Eye-Tracking System

An Automated Method for Assessing Visual Acuity in Infants and Toddlers Using an Eye-Tracking System

Published on: March 17, 2023

ASL Proficiency Predicts Advanced Visual-Spatial Processing Independent of Age of Acquisition.

Melody F Schwenk¹, Lorna C Quandt¹

¹Educational Neuroscience, Visual Language and Visual Learning (VL2) Research Center, Gallaudet University.

Cognitive Science

|May 12, 2026

Summary

American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency, not early acquisition age, significantly enhances visual-spatial reasoning skills. Sustained ASL engagement is linked to better performance on cognitive tasks, challenging traditional critical period hypotheses.

Keywords:

ASL Cognitive assessment Critical period Embodied cognition Neuroplasticity Spatial cognition

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Last Updated: May 14, 2026

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Published on: March 17, 2023

The Optokinetic Response as a Quantitative Measure of Visual Acuity in Zebrafish

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Published on: October 9, 2013

Eye-tracking Technology and Data-mining Techniques used for a Behavioral Analysis of Adults engaged in Learning Processes

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Published on: June 10, 2021

Area of Science:

Cognitive Neuroscience
Linguistics
Developmental Psychology

Background:

The critical period hypothesis suggests early language acquisition is crucial for cognitive development.
Existing research often links early language exposure to broader cognitive outcomes.
The role of proficiency versus age of acquisition in sign language is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency and visual-spatial reasoning.
To challenge the traditional critical period hypothesis in the context of sign language.
To explore how age of acquisition (AoA) and ASL fluency impact cognitive performance.

Main Methods:

Behavioral analysis of 40 participants with varied ASL fluency and AoA.
Utilized cluster analysis to identify cognitive profiles.
Assessed visual-spatial reasoning with the Vandenberg-Kuse Mental Rotation Test (VKMRT) and a block design (BD) task.
Measured ASL proficiency using the ASL Comprehension Test (ASLCT).

Main Results:

ASL proficiency, measured by ASLCT scores, significantly predicted performance on visual-spatial tasks (e.g., block design).
Age of acquisition (AoA) did not significantly predict visual-spatial task performance.
Cluster analyses revealed distinct cognitive profiles, with proficiency, not early acquisition, differentiating high performers.

Conclusions:

Sustained engagement with ASL is associated with enhanced visual-spatial reasoning abilities.
Findings support embodied cognition and experience-dependent neuroplasticity theories.
Results suggest critical period effects may differentially impact core language versus related cognitive domains.