Presentation Schedule
The Multilingual Edge of the Neurodivergent Population: Rethinking Human Potential (108727)
Session Chair: Xiao-lei Wang
Wednesday, 17 June 2026 12:15
Session: Session 1
Room: Room 107 (1F)
Presentation Type:Oral Presentation
For decades, families and professionals were advised to limit language exposure for children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, developmental language disorder (DLD), and related profiles, based on concerns that multiple languages might increase cognitive load or delay development. Emerging research across psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, and education now challenges this assumption. Evidence published since 2020 consistently indicates that multilingual exposure does not result in additional language delay and, under many conditions, may support executive control, cognitive flexibility, metalinguistic awareness, adaptive communication, and sustained cognitive engagement. This paper synthesizes the most recent literature (2020–2026) on multilingual development in neurodivergent populations and introduces the framework of the Multilingual Edge in the Neurodivergent Population. This framework conceptualizes multilingualism as a developmental resource that interacts with distinctive neurocognitive profiles. Practical implications are discussed for educational settings, including supporting heritage language maintenance, incorporating translanguaging as a learning resource, providing multimodal and linguistically flexible instruction, and integrating multilingual practices within neuro-inclusive classrooms aligned with Universal Design for Learning. Recommendations are also offered for family language planning and for speech-language and psychological guidance that reflects current evidence. The paper concludes by outlining future research priorities, including longitudinal studies of mental health and life outcomes, investigation of neural mechanisms, the role of typological distance, and the economic and social impact of multilingualism in adulthood. Advancing this agenda will support a shift from a deficit paradigm toward systemic integration, positioning multilingual development as a resource for inclusive human potential across the lifespan.
Authors:
Xiao-lei Wang, Adelphi University, United States
About the Presenter(s)
Dr Xiao-lei Wang is a University Professor/Principal Lecturer at Adelphi University in United States
See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule
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