As parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), you’re constantly focused on helping your child learn new skills and follow directions. But what happens when the language spoken at home is different from the language used at school? For example, your child might speak Russian at home but learn in English at school. This can create challenges for your child in understanding and applying what they’re learning.
Why consistency in language is So Important
Using the same language both at home and at school can really help your child. It reduces confusion and allows them to more easily connect what they learn in different settings. Bilingualism can introduce additional complexity for children with ASD, as they may find it challenging to distinguish between the two languages. This could lead to difficulties in language development and communication, potentially slowing their progress in both linguistic and cognitive skills. However, with proper support and strategies, children with ASD can successfully learn and thrive in a bilingual environment. Let’s say your child is taught to follow directions in English at school, but at home, you give instructions in Russian. Even though the requests may be the same, switching languages can make it harder for your child to understand. This might slow down their learning or cause frustration for both you and them.
Example: Following Directions in Two Languages
Imagine your child is told to “sit down” at school, but at home, you say “сядь” (the Russian word for “sit down”). Although both mean the same thing, your child might struggle to understand that they are connected, especially if they are still building their language skills. This can make it harder for them to respond and follow directions, which can be frustrating for everyone.
Using the same language at home as your child hears at school can make a big difference. By reinforcing the same words and phrases, you can help them better understand and practice following directions.
Supporting overall learning
Consistent language doesn’t just help with following directions—it also helps with learning new concepts. For example, if your child is learning about colors or numbers in English at school, using English at home when discussing those concepts can help solidify what they’ve learned. Switching to Russian at home for those same ideas might slow down their ability to fully grasp them.
Simple tips for parents
- Use Key English Phrases: Even if your family primarily speaks Russian, try using important phrases in English that your child hears at school. For example, if they’re learning “clean up” at school, use the same phrase when asking them to tidy up at home.
- Create a bilingual environment: You can still maintain your home language while introducing English phrases that match what your child is learning. This can help bridge the gap and make the transition between home and school easier.
- Use visual aids: Picture cards, to reinforce the meaning of words in both languages. Additionally, maintaining consistency by using similar phrases and routines in both languages can help bridge the gap. Another approach is to engage a bilingual therapist who specializes in ASD to provide targeted support and customized learning techniques.
- Talk to Teachers: Stay in touch with your child’s teachers to understand the key phrases or instructions used in class. This way, you can reinforce the same language patterns at home, making learning more seamless for your child.
Conclusion: Building a supportive environment
For children with ASD, keeping language consistent between home and school is essential for helping them learn, follow directions, and develop new skills. By aligning the language used in both settings, you create a more supportive and less confusing environment for your child. Whether it’s using more English at home or finding a balance with bilingual phrases, this approach can lead to smoother learning and greater success, both in school and in daily life.
