Addressing Multicultural and Multilingual Aspects in the Assessment of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

The purpose of the current chapter is to present recent advances in the area of multilingual and multicultural issues in the management of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In addition, the chapter is set to recommend clinical protocols relevant to the challenges associated with the assessment and intervention practices for individuals with ASD who come from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Notably, the discussion of such topics is necessitated by the significant influx of refugees across Europe and across the globe (Grech, 2019; Guiberson & Atkins, 2010). A particular focus is given on the themes related to multilingualism and multiculturalism facets of the disorder. In the introduction, the authors describe the behavioral and communicative symptomatology associated with ASD, provide information related to the prevalence of the disorder across the globe, and underscore the need to develop awareness related to the linguistic and cultural diversity of populations given the influx of immigrant population in Europe and across the world. In the second part of the chapter, the authors present the theoretical underpinnings of bilingualism and multilingualism vis-à-vis populations with developmental language challenges including ASD. The multilingual/bilingual advantage is discussed along with research findings that either support or refute myths and realities behind the use of one versus two languages by individuals with ASD. For purposes of clarity the term multilingualism will be used thought the chapter, including reference to the term bilingualism. The third part of the chapter focuses on the implementation of assessment protocols and diagnostic tools in the context of clinical management of ASD. The challenges of such endeavors are discussed. The overall goal of the chapter is to encourage health practitioners and especially speech-language therapists to capitalize on available global information related to the management of ASD. Recent reports suggest that important evidence-based findings and information related to ASD management (including the topic of multilingualism) appear to be an “Achilles tendon” as most of the time such outcomes do not reach the mainstream clinicians who, after all, find themselves in the “front line” during their interaction with individuals and their families (Gillon et al., 2017; Law et al., 2019).