Research released by the scientific journal Child Development points out that second language learning by children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can improve their communication skills and flexibility cognitive. The study was conducted by McGill University in Canada.
The concept of cognitive flexibility is given to the ability to find alternative solutions to solve problems. The result was measured after applying tests to 40 children aged between six and nine years. The universe was composed of bilingual and non-bilingual autistic people.
see more
Alert: THIS poisonous plant landed a young man in the hospital
Google develops AI tool to help journalists in…
One of the tests comprised the organization of objects following certain classifications, such as shape and color. In the end, the researchers identified that the bilingual children were able to perform the task more easily. The survey results were commented on by specialists from Brazil, as will be seen below.
What do Brazilian experts say?
Even acknowledging the relevance of the results, Brazilian specialists make some reservations. In an interview with Gazeta do Povo, neurologist Marco Antônio Arruda, secretary of the Scientific Department of Neurology Children's Association of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology (ABN), points out that the study disregards low and high autistic operation.
What is that? High functioning autistics are those who have social skills, in addition to standing out for memory skills, learning, calculation and ability to learn the new language. Therefore, Arruda comments that, even though it is important, the study is limited.
He also comments that “we cannot simply say ‘teach your child a new language and he will improve’ because it is not possible to reach that conclusion”. Child speech therapist Carla Ulliane recalls how easily certain autistic children acquire a new language.
However, she warns that, even with the benefits provided by learning in neuronal and cognitive capacity, everything must be done under the supervision of a specialized professional. This is because it is necessary to analyze whether the child is not just repeating the content instead of learning it.
On the other hand, William de Jesus Silva, a student at the University of São Paulo (USP) and member of the Brazilian Association for Action for Rights of People with Autism (Abraça) associates the research results with the so-called facilitated communication, something debated in the movement of neurodiversity.
Diagnosed with autism at age 14, William also spoke to Gazeta, explaining that the movement that defends that neurological differences should be recognized and respected organizations often discusses the use of alternative communication, including sign language or methods with which the individual communicates. identify.
Autism in schools
The Inclusion Law (13.146/2015) provides for the adaptation of the school curriculum in the search for full learning for people with ASD. Therefore, the presentation and teaching of the content must be modified, respecting the characteristics of these children. However, it must be borne in mind that even this adaptation must be made on an individual basis.
This is because not all children need the same level of adaptation. It is also important to remember that the same content taught to other students must be taught to children with ASD. The right of people with the autistic spectrum has been equated with those of people with disabilities since 2012.