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Bilingual Development for Children With Speech and Language Differences

By Palabra Garden

Children with autism, Down syndrome, language disorders, and other differences can and do become bilingual. Here’s what families need to know.

You’ve just received a diagnosis — developmental language disorder, autism, Down syndrome, apraxia of speech. And within hours, someone suggests the same thing: “Stop the Spanish. Give your child every advantage. Focus on English only.”

What this post covers

  • The Core Fact: Bilingualism Doesn’t Harm Children With Speech-Language Differences
  • Common Myths to Reject
  • What Your Child With a Disability Actually Needs
  • Practical Strategies for Bilingual Development With Disabilities
  • The Deeper Reason to Keep Spanish
  • When Professional Support Is Needed
  • Key Takeaway: Speech-Language Differences and Bilingualism Are Separate Issues
  • About the Author

This post is being migrated from the previous site. The full version originally appeared on palabragarden.com.

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