Thursday 4 June 2015 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Brown Library, 3rd floor, English Faculty
About
The effects of bilingualism on linguistic competence and social functioning in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders : a review of the literature and a pilot study
Dr Napoleon Katsos (Dept. of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics) and Dr Jenny Gibson (Faculty of Education).
The number of children raised in a bilingual environment is on the rise in Europe, the United States, as well as throughout the rest of the world and bilingualism may soon become the norm, rather than the exception. With the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders at a recently estimated 1 in 68 individuals, it is expedient to understand how exposure to two languages interacts with ASD to provide essential guidance to parents, clinicians, and educators.
In this presentation, we report the findings of a systematic review of the existing literature on the effects of bilingualism on children with developmental disorders. We then present a pilot study conducted in China, and conclude with research questions that may help inform a future research programme on bilingualism in autism.
Coffee and biscuits will be provided. Please feel free to bring your lunch.
Contact
Napoleon Katsos