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Read Your World / Guest Posts  / ASD, Idioms, and Figurative Language

ASD, Idioms, and Figurative Language

{Guest Post by Language Lizard}

It is well known that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can experience significant social, behavioral, and communication challenges resulting from their developmental disability. For example, identifying figurative languages like metaphors and idioms is very challenging.

While some researchers believe this difficulty results from compromised core language skills (ie. semantics, grammar), the majority attribute a compromised Theory of Mind to be the main cause. In plain terms, children with ASD need more help recognizing the mental states, unique beliefs, and desires of other people. Since figurative language is all about what isn’t being said, you can see how tricky it is to navigate not only social interactions but also literature. 

ASD and English Learners

Children with ASD and English learners share the common challenge of navigating figurative language, especially with idioms. For children with ASD, they view language as a literal tool for communication. English learners rarely share the same idioms in their native language. Therefore, idioms require a straightforward, but culturally relevant teaching approach. Language Lizard put together the Idioms Book Set so children can see both detailed examples of common English idioms as well as intricate visual representations. 

Language Lizard Idiom Books are available in English and in bilingual editions with the following languages:  Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Hmong, Spanish, Telugu, Vietnamese and more. They also come with free multicultural lessons and activities to support culturally responsive teaching.

 

 

About Language Lizard

Language Lizard, LLC (www.LanguageLizard.com) is a leading supplier of bilingual products in over 50 languages. The company provides award-winning bilingual books and audio resources to schools, libraries, literacy organizations, and bilingual families. Language Lizard offers culturally responsive teaching materials, multilingual posters, and free multicultural lesson plans to support diverse classrooms and homeschooling families.

Language Lizard Idiom Books are available as English and bilingual paperbacks at www.LanguageLizard.com, Ingram, and bookstores worldwide. eBooks are available on major eBook platforms and on Overdrive and are 32 Full Illustrated Color Pages for Grade Level K-5.

Language Lizard, LLC “Inspiring Kids Through Language!”

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Frances Evans

Frances Díaz Evans is a Latina Author, Educator, Multicultural and Language Advocate. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Universidad del Este in Puerto Rico and a master’s degree in Spanish education from the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. She joined Multicultural Children’s Book Day in the early days advocating for multicultural books as a book reviewer, then as a co-host, and now she’s excited to take on the role of project manager. Frances can be reached at admin (at) multiculturalchildrensbookday.com