Code-switching in Bilingual Children With and Without Language Disorders

Due to increasing linguistic diversity across caseloads in the United States, it is important for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to understand code-switching as it relates to typically developing children and children with language disorders. When analyzing language samples, SLPs may be unsure of how to analyze samples when code-switching is present. Because children with language disorders demonstrate difficulty with grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, this may impact the patterns of code-switching that we see in their everyday language. Much of the research on bilingualism involves typically developing children. This presents challenges when appropriately assessing bilingual children with language disorders or other communication deficits. This study aims to address code-switching as it relates to bilingual children with and without language disorders, to appropriately address ramifications for assessment and treatment.