Maltese Children with Autism: The Truth Behind Language Reluctance

This study examines language preference in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), specifically whether they are reluctant to speak Maltese and why. Given the limited research on ASD and language preference, this mixed-methods study reviews existing literature and analyzes observations of four children (ages 3-8), alongside discussions with their parents and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Data from observations, questionnaires, and focus groups provided a holistic language profile for each child. Findings indicate a strong preference for English, even in Maltese-speaking households, with media exposure identified as the primary influencing factor.