Can Children Learn Two Languages? Yes, They Can!

Many parents worry that speaking two languages at home might confuse their child or delay their language development — especially if their child has autism, a language delay, or a diagnosed communication disorder.

But the good news is: Bilingualism does not cause language delays or disorders.

What the Research Says:

• Bilingual children may mix languages at first, but this is normal and not a sign of confusion. (Paradis, Genesee & Crago, 2021)

• Children with autism or language delays can learn two languages with the right support. (Hambly & Fombonne, 2012; Uljarević et al., 2016; Paradis, 2016)

• Speaking your home language helps children stay connected to their family, culture, and identity — which is just as important as learning English. (Kohnert, 2010; Hoff et al., 2012)

Should I Stop Speaking My Language at Home?

No — keep speaking your strongest language. Children thrive when they hear rich, meaningful language, and you’ll give them the best language input when you speak the language you’re most comfortable with.

If English isn’t your strongest language, it’s better to continue speaking your home language — this builds strong language foundations that support all future learning.

Speaking your home language also helps your child:

• Connect with family members (like grandparents, cousins, and community)

• Build strong relationships and a sense of identity

• Maintain cultural ties and feel proud of who they are

It’s also normal for children who are learning more than one language to mix words from both languages in the same sentence — this is called code-switching, and it’s a normal part of bilingual development, not a sign of confusion.

If a child has a language delay or disorder, it will usually show up in both languages, not just one. Bilingualism does not cause language problems — it simply means your child is learning to communicate in more than one way.