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'Mind the Kids': an ACAMH podcastAuthor: The Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health
These podcasts are an invaluable resource for anyone interested in child and adolescent mental health. They bridge the gap between rigorous research and practical application, featuring expert discussions on mental health. Each episode highlights cutting-edge studies offering insights into findings, and implications for practice. The series caters to clinicians, researchers, and those interested in mental health. Available on major platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, its an accessible way to stay informed about advancements in the field. Visit our website for a host of free evidence-based mental health resources. Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Mental Health, Science, Social Sciences Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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S6 Ep2: Mind the Kids -When language surprises: unexpected bilingualism in autism
Episode 2
Tuesday, 20 January, 2026
How can a child suddenly start speaking a language no one around them uses? This Mind the Kids episode, “When language surprises – unexpected bilingualism in autism” dives into the striking phenomenon of autistic children spontaneously acquiring and using a language that is absent from their home, school, and social world. Drawing on new research, host Mark Tebbs speaks to David Gagnon, and Dr. Alexia Ostrolenk, on this topic, and their JCPP paper. With minimally speaking autistic children, the discussion explains what unexpected bilingualism is, why it challenges traditional ideas about the role of social interaction in language learning, and how it can reveal an alternative pathway into language. Listeners will hear how parents first notice these surprising language skills, why they may be both confusing and hopeful, and what this means for supporting communication and designing interventions. The episode offers clear take home messages for families, educators, and clinicians on recognising hidden abilities, following a child’s interests (from letters and numbers to YouTube subtitles), and rethinking “plateau” periods as times of invisible but important development. For more details read the JCPP paper ‘Early manifestations of unexpected bilingualism in minimally verbal autism’ David Gagnon, Alexia Ostrolenk, Laurent Mottron https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.70032 Get a free CPD/CME certificate for listening to this podcast by registering for a FREE ACAMH Learn account at https://acamhlearn.org/Home
