Benefits of Language Learning for the Neurospicy

Whether or not language learning is a dream for you, you may still be interested in the process as a mental exercise, something to keep your brain sharp. It can also expand options and opportunities in your career, education, social life, etc. However, for neurodivergent learners, there is one distinct benefit that has even more value, which is strengthening executive function.

Executive function vs. executive dysfunction

You may or may not know terms like "executive function," executive dysfunction," or "executive function deficits," but regardless, you've likely felt their influence if you're neurodivergent. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)(1), executive function encompasses working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, self-awareness and self-monitoring, fluid/abstract reasoning skills, complex problem solving, attention, processing speed, and memory. Consequently, executive dysfunction is the "breakdown of any of these skills at any level" and is one of the most prevalent symptoms of neurological disorders like autism, ADHD, and others.

Executive dysfunction shows up in adults with signs like having an irregular sleep schedule, having difficulty meeting deadlines, wanting to complete tasks/chores but feeling incapable of forcing yourself to start the task, forgetting to pay bills or take meds, and having issues with managing/navigating social dynamics. Executive dysfunction can be one of the biggest obstacles to learning another language for many neurodivergent adults, as the typical process seems too demanding, rigid, repetitive, or uninteresting to stimulate enough dopamine to maintain consistent interest.

How language learning can reshape your brain

However, figuring out a process that works for you and becoming at least conversational in a second language can, ironically, lessen those symptoms. In a study done by researcher Ellen Bialystok(2), the effects of bilingualism prove to enhance executive control and even stave off the onset of conditions like Alzheimer's. The parts of the brain that handles switching between languages rely heavily on the executive control center. Extensive switching "exercises" this center, essentially reshaping or reconfiguring it to better handle all tasks requiring executive function.

While these results cannot be claimed as directly correlated, the science of adaptive neuroplasticity confirms that repetitive actions completed over a certain period of time with the aim to learn a new skill (or relearn an old one), change a habit, or even heal a brain injury can dramatically improve one's overall quality of life and ability to cope with symptoms. (Note: There are many similarities between traumatic brain injuries and neurodivergent disorders like autism[3] and ADHD[4], from skill regression and memory challenges to an imbalanced gut microbiome.)

Additional neurodivergent-specific benefits

Some additional benefits of language learning to the neurodivergent experience includes things like:

• Having a new method to connect with family members and friends in different countries/with different backgrounds

• Expanding your personality and ability to contribute to conversation (in other words, to make you more interesting)

• Adding a new skill to your resume that can make finding work easier (in an already tricky work market that becomes even trickier to navigate with neurodiversity)

• Calming your nervous system (this can be subjective, but I find the act of speaking/singing in another language, regardless of if I understand or not, to be one of my favorite forms of stimming; it can also open up new frequencies, speaking patterns, and music types that can stimulate and soothe parts of your brain that aren't often touched)

Choosing a you-specific learning path

Choosing which language to study and eventually conquering it (or perhaps in less pressure-heavy terms, "becoming friends with it") ultimately depends on your specific brain.

• Dyslexic? Choose a phonetic language like Spanish, Italian or German, or one with a simple grammar structure like Mandarin or Finnish; while each of these languages has their unique challenges, their structural simplicity will be to your advantage.(5)

  • If you tend to struggle with English, congratulate yourself for being able to communicate with it at all, and rest assured that it is considered an internationally difficult language with its complex orthography(6) (spelling system) that borrows from many other languages (and their rules) and often retains centuries-old spelling forms from old and middle English, which used to be phonetic but can no longer be called that due to the dramatic changes of pronunciation over the years.

• ADHD? Analyze your favorite method of communication.

  • Conversation: Do you enjoy meeting new people and learning through talking and listening? Pick a path that fast-tracks you to becoming conversational. Online class platforms like Lingoda allow you to learn and practice either 1:1 with a teacher or in a larger group setting, or you can find a language exchange partner and pick up your target language naturally while getting to know interesting new people (obviously use caution and don't share personal information).

  • Solo: Prefer solo learning through podcasts, reading, or games? Try an audio program like Pimsleur, a book of short stories with learning aids (like this one in German or this one in Korean), or an app like Duolingo or Drops.

• Autistic? Take advantage of those traits people have probably teased your about: hyperfixations and routine.

  • Hyperfixations: What's your obsession? I'll throw myself under the bus as an example--I started to fall in love with K-drama about two years ago (with Extraordinary Attorney Woo Young Woo, HIGHLY recommend it), then naturally transitioned to K-pop, then became obsessed with Thai dramas, Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese...You get it. Because of that, I'm constantly immersed in Asian languages just because it makes me happy. What better way to choose and learn a language than to connect with your hyperfixation? (Music in particular is an extremely effective method for learning of any kind with autism as it is proven to show "improved cognitive function and increased language development."(7)

  • Routine: If you're exclusively an autistic 'lil guy, you likely have the particular advantage of thriving in routine (i.e., I am AuDHD, so the ADHD's constant need for stimulation and novelty cancels out the autism's talent for committing to structure and quick absorption). Planning out learning schedules, tracking your progress, and staying organized are the foundations of some of the most effective language learning methods (Bront'e at The Polyglot Fox has some amazing resources on these topics), and if establishing a system sounds like your idea of a good time, you're already on a fantastic path.

You can't really go wrong with choosing to learn a language, regardless of which one or what method works best for you. Leave a comment with your perspective--have you experienced benefits from language learning? What works for you? What doesn't?

Sources:

1. https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/executive-function-deficits/?srsltid=AfmBOorgNNLq50YX9_Pe4L4Q5sOGL3GHJU2Eidm1RZqKpQUWWmh58zdf#collapse_2

2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4341987/

3. https://www.flintrehab.com/tbi-and-autism/

4. https://neurolaunch.com/mild-traumatic-brain-injury-and-adhd/

5. https://dyslexichelp.org/what-language-is-easiest-for-dyslexic-to-learn/

6. https://dyslexichelp.org/which-language-is-best-for-dyslexics/#toc-2:~:text=In%20contrast%2C%20languages%20with%20opaque%20orthographies%2C%20like%20English%2C%20where%20the%20relationship%20between%20sounds%20and%20letters%20is%20more%20complex%20and%20inconsistent%2C%20can%20pose%20additional%20challenges%20for%20individuals%20with%20dyslexia.

7. https://www.percussionplay.com/sounds-and-the-spectrum/