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Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Language and Cognition01:27

Language and Cognition

Language serves as a bridge between ideas and communication, influencing how individuals perceive and interact with the world. Psychologists have long debated whether language shapes thought or vice versa. This discussion gained grip with Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf in the 1940s, who proposed that language determines thought, a concept known as linguistic determinism. They suggested that the vocabulary and structure of a language influence how its speakers think and perceive reality.
Information Processing Approach01:30

Information Processing Approach

The information-processing theory of cognitive development centers on fundamental mental processes, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Researchers in this field examine how cognitive abilities, such as working memory, evolve and influence children's overall development. Studies indicate that children with stronger working memory tend to excel in reading comprehension, math, and problem-solving compared to peers with less efficient memory skills. Low working memory is also...

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Associations Between Second-Language Proficiency and Executive Functions in Autistic and Neurotypical Children.

Franziska Baumeister1, Pauline Wolfer1, Elisabet Vila Borrellas2,3

  • 1Autism, Bilingualism, Cognitive and Communicative Development Research Group (ABCCD), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.

Open Mind : Discoveries in Cognitive Science
|June 5, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Bilingualism may improve executive functions (EF) in autistic children. Higher second language proficiency correlated with better attention and memory skills in autistic children and neurotypical children.

Keywords:
Bayesian multilevel modelingattentionentropyflexibilityinhibitory controlswitchingworking memory

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Published on: April 12, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Linguistics

Background:

  • Bilingualism is hypothesized to enhance executive functions (EF).
  • Autistic children often experience EF challenges.
  • Previous research on bilingualism's EF benefits in autistic children is inconsistent.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between bilingualism and EF in autistic and neurotypical children.
  • To use continuous measures for a more nuanced operationalization of bilingualism.
  • To explore potential mechanisms linking bilingualism and EF.

Main Methods:

  • Recruited 168 autistic and 262 neurotypical children (ages 7-8).
  • Employed continuous measures to assess second language proficiency.
  • Utilized Bayesian multilevel modeling to analyze data.

Main Results:

  • Increased second language proficiency was linked to enhanced attention and working memory in neurotypical children.
  • In autistic children, higher second language proficiency correlated with improvements in attention, short-term memory, working memory, and shifting abilities.
  • Findings suggest bilingualism may offer specific EF advantages for autistic individuals.

Conclusions:

  • Continuous measurement of bilingualism provides a more accurate understanding of its EF effects.
  • Bilingualism shows a positive association with specific executive functions in autistic children.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms behind these observed benefits.