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Parental Perceptions and Decisions Regarding Maintaining Bilingualism in Autism.

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

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Type

Article

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Authors

Gibson, Jenny 
Katsos, Napoleon 

Abstract

A growing body of evidence suggests that bilingual exposure does not negatively impact children on the autism spectrum. This study sought to illuminate parents' perceptions and choices regarding maintaining bilingualism in autism. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 family members in England and Wales. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Although parents expressed positive attitudes towards bilingualism, these views were not always congruent with their language practices. Instead, several factors influenced decisions about language maintenance in autism, including the severity of the child's autism, advice received, and the importance of English as the dominant societal language. This article calls for greater support for families in making language decisions that are suitable for the individual child and their family.

Description

Keywords

Autism, Bilingualism, Parental experiences, Adolescent, Adult, Autistic Disorder, Child, Decision Making, England, Female, Humans, Male, Multilingualism, Parents, Perception, Wales, Young Adult

Journal Title

J Autism Dev Disord

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0162-3257
1573-3432

Volume Title

51

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Rights

All rights reserved
Sponsorship
Arts and Humanities Research Council (AH/N004671/1)