Contents:
- Medical Video: Breaking News - Learning a second language could help autistic children
- Learning foreign languages, therapy for children with autism to develop their communication skills
- Symptoms of autism can be detected early
Medical Video: Breaking News - Learning a second language could help autistic children
Autism is a developmental disorder of social interaction, empathy and sympathy, behavior, communication, and repetitive movements that occur for life. Autism has no cure, but there are many therapeutic options for autistic children who can help manage symptoms while improving their quality of life. One type of therapy that is believed to be able to improve the communication skills of children with autism is learning a foreign language. To find out more, see the following review.
Learning foreign languages, therapy for children with autism to develop their communication skills
Autism affects a child's ability to interact and behave. This condition also makes it difficult for children to speak, express, express opinions, concentrate, and also hold back emotions. The severity of autism can vary from one child to another, so each child may need a special therapy plan according to his needs.
Reporting from Science Daily, a recent study published in the journal Child Development shows that learning a foreign language or becoming a bilingual person can improve a series of cognitive processes including attention and behavior control, and improve memory.
Increased cognitive function of the brain is believed to occur because having the ability to communicate in two different languages means that he trains the brain to be able to switch between two mental modes quickly and smoothly, such as Indonesian and English modes. Over time and training continues, this transition between the two systems of language can improve cognitive performance of the brain as a whole.
The ability of the brain to respond more quickly between the two languages is believed to be very useful as a therapy for children with autism. Because, autistic children tend to be more difficult to "switch gears" when faced with two tasks because their brain's cognitive flexibility is disrupted. That's why they tend to have a narrower focus, not reacting either to changes in plans or spontaneity, inflexible daily routines, and showing repetitive speech or movements.
Learning foreign languages teaches children to understand and follow verbal instructions, respond to other people's words, describe an object, imitate other people's words and movements, to teach reading and writing.
The benefits of learning a foreign language as a therapy for autism were reported after the research team observed40 autistic children aged 6-9 years with a computer-based test. They were instructed to sort the image objects on a computer screen with one language and two languages communication. As a result, autistic children who are able to speak in two languages can work more effectively and quickly.
Symptoms of autism can be detected early
Early diagnosis and treatment can help control the symptoms of autism. Therapy for children with autism as soon as possible can teach children to learn a variety of basic skills, such as thinking and making decisions and social and emotional skills.
Appropriate therapy can help children with autism maximize and encourage their abilities. If you suspect your child or you yourself have autism, consult your doctor as soon as possible so that your child can begin treatment at the right time.
