The theory of mind of dual-language learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Past research regarding bilingualism suggests that Dual-Language Learners (DLLs) show early strengths in Theory of Mind (ToM) (Goetz, 2003), while children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) show delays in ToM (Pellicano, 2010). The current project examines ToM and language abilities of two DLLs with ASD using ToM tasks, language samples, and the TOPL-2. The participants had similar cognitive development and low language abilities upon initial ASD diagnoses at approximately 3 years old. In this study, Participant 1 (8, 5 years old) had limited abilities in Spanish and English, and did not pass the ToM tasks. Participant 2 (6, 10 years old), had some abilities in Spanish, average English-language skills, and passed the ToM tasks. While no direct correlation can be determined, this study suggests there might be a link between bilingualism, ToM and ASD, and indicates a need for further research on cognitive abilities in DLLs with ASD