Date of Completion
12-17-2017
Embargo Period
9-15-2017
Advisors
Deborah Fein, Jeffrey Burke, Letitia Naigles
Field of Study
Psychological Sciences
Degree
Master of Science
Open Access
Open Access
Abstract
Parents and providers worry that exposure to two languages will impair language acquisition in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental delays (DD). However, limited research to date suggests that language milestones and abilities are unaffected. The current study explored language abilities in toddlers with ASD or DD exposed to one versus multiple languages, prior to any intervention. Results showed slower language acquisition in ASD than DD but no main effect of language exposure group or interaction of language group by diagnosis. This study suggests that bilingual parents can communicate with their children in both languages without harm to their child’s language functioning.
Recommended Citation
Dai, Yael, "Language Abilities in Single- and Dual- Language Learners with Autism or other Developmental Disorders" (2017). Master's Theses. 1161.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/gs_theses/1161
Major Advisor
Deborah Fein