Does Speaking More Than One Language Help with Flexible Thinking?
What's the study about?
This study explores how bilingualism affects thinking skills, or cognitive flexibility, in individuals with the broader autism phenotype (BAP). The BAP includes subtle autism-related characteristics and is prevalent in siblings and parents of individuals with autism. Our goal is to better understand how language skills can support an important thinking skill, cognitive flexibility. Findings of this study can help shape more inclusive educational strategies and early support programs for individuals with autism and BAP and their families. It can also help underserved diverse populations by highlighting how bilingualism may support cognitive and social development in those communities and lead to more inclusive educational programs.
Who can participate?
- Children ages 7-16 years old
- Adults ages 17-25 years old
- Siblings of individuals with ASD
- Although not required, individuals who are bilingual or on the autism spectrum are highly encouraged to participate!
What will participants be doing?
You will play interactive brain games with a researcher over Zoom for 30 minutes. You will also complete 1 consent form and 1 questionnaire about behavior and language skills. If the participant is under the age of 18, the parent/guardian will be asked to complete these forms on their behalf. During the study, I will be video-recording and audio-recording the Zoom call for data purposes (if agreed upon by the participant).
Why is this important?
This study explores how bilingualism affects thinking skills and social traits in individuals with the broader autism phenotype (BAP), which includes subtle traits often seen in siblings and parents of those with autism. These traits can impact learning, communication, and daily interactions, yet they are frequently overlooked as they do not meet the full criteria for an autism diagnosis. By understanding how bilingualism impacts cognitive flexibility in individuals with BAP, we aim to inform the development of educational strategies that support learning and social development. This study could lead to more inclusive and effective programs for individuals with autism and their families. This research may benefit the autism community by helping educators, therapists, and families better understand how language use and exposure can be leveraged to improve learning outcomes and strengthen thinking skills in BAP individuals.