The impact of educational and medical systems on autistic children from multilingual American homes: A systematic review

Abstract

Research has demonstrated that multilingual exposure does not inherently impede language development or academic achievement in autistic children. Nevertheless, autistic students who are multilingual learners may experience unique challenges in the United States, where systemic barriers constrain both the diagnosis and the delivery of education. This review synthesizes 46 US-based studies to assess how educational and, to a lesser extent, medical systems are (or are not) prepared to offer adequate support to autistic individuals from multilingual families. Results reveal varied patterns of systemic inequity faced by multilingual children on the autism spectrum, elucidating the issues of disproportionality as well as unequal access to educational and medical resources. While the majority of studies emphasize the benefits of multilingual environments for autistic students, a persistent trend in favor of monolingual instructional strategies remains. Despite this, emerging publications present experimental evidence that drawing on students’ first languages can bolster academic and behavioral performance and strengthen executive functioning. Lay Abstract Research has found that autistic children can navigate multilingual schools and communities without harming their language skills or school success. However, they may encounter specific challenges within the United States, where educational and healthcare systems are insufficiently equipped to meet their needs. This review examined 46 US-based studies on the topic and findings reveal persistent deficit-based ideas about multilingualism and autism (e.g., professionals recommending that autistic students only speak and learn in English) accompanied by patterns of unequal identification of autism among multilingual children. These findings highlight issues of disproportionality and inadequate access to educational and healthcare resources. However, recent studies indicate that incorporating a child’s native language in education not only enhances learning and behavioral outcomes but also boosts cognitive functions like problem-solving and planning. Taken as a whole, current research suggests that intentionally addressing linguistic diversity will allow educational and medical systems to better serve autistic children.