2 Languages 2 Worlds

This is a question that comes up a lot and the answer is yes. But, clinicians, teachers, principals, and parents alike want explanations and reassurance. In a recent study, we profiled bilingual children with and without DLD and found a lot of variability. You can read that paper here, and read a summary here. What are the implications of having exposure and access to two languages? And how can this be navigated:

1. Therapy in two languages is helpful—not harmful

Supporting both Spanish and English does not confuse children. In fact, helping children build skills in both languages supports communication at home, at school, and in the community.

2. Therapy focuses on how language works, not just vocabulary

While learning new words is important, therapy often focuses on helping children:

• Put words together into complete sentences
• Use correct verb and noun forms and grammar
• Understand and express ideas clearly

These skills help children succeed across both languages.

3. A child can be bilingual and have a language disorder

A language disorder is not caused by bilingualism. Some bilingual children need extra support with language, just like some monolingual children do. The goal of therapy is to help children use their languages more effectively and confidently.

4. Strong skills in one language support the other

When children improve grammar and sentence skills in one language, those skills often help the other language too. This is why bilingual intervention can be especially powerful.

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What should parents expect from bilingual intervention?

Your child’s speech-language pathologist may:

• Use Spanish, English, or both, depending on your child’s needs
• Build on the language used at home
• Focus on grammar, sentence structure, and meaning—not just pronunciation
• Help your child communicate more successfully with family, teachers, and peers

The goal is not to replace a home language, but to strengthen your child’s ability to communicate across settings.

We need to communicate this information to families! Bilingualism is good for you, even if a child has DLD.

Every bilingual child has a unique language profile. Differences across languages are normal. What matters most is that your child receives support that:

• Respects their cultural and linguistic background
• Strengthens their ability to express their ideas completely
• Helps them succeed socially and academically

Bilingualism is a gift—and with the right support, children with language difficulties can thrive in both languages.

I’m often asked by families, clinicians and teachers about whether the home language should be continued and whether children with DLD will be confused. Here are some FAQs around this topic:

Should we stop using Spanish at home if my child has a language disorder (DLD)?

No. You should not stop using Spanish at home.

Using Spanish at home does not cause language difficulties, and stopping it will not fix a language disorder. Children with DLD have difficulty learning language in any language they use, not because they are bilingual.

Why is continuing Spanish important?

• Spanish is how your child connects with family.
  Using the home language supports emotional bonds, cultural identity, and confidence.
• Children learn language best in the language they hear most naturally.
  Parents communicate more clearly, richly, and naturally in their strongest language.
• Strong Spanish supports English learning.
  Skills such as grammar, sentence structure, and storytelling can transfer from Spanish to English over time.

Will using Spanish confuse my child?

No. Research shows that children—even those with DLD—are capable of learning two languages. Children are not confused by hearing or using Spanish and English. In fact, reducing language input can limit opportunities to practice communication.

What if English is the language of school?

It is okay—and beneficial—for:

• Spanish to be the language of the home, and
• English to be supported at school and in therapy

Speech-language therapy helps children build skills that work across languages, especially grammar and sentence structure.

What happens if we stop using Spanish?

Stopping Spanish can:

• Reduce the amount of language your child hears and uses
• Limit communication with family members
• Create stress or frustration for your child
• Remove an important cultural and emotional support system

For children with DLD, less language input means fewer chances to practice, not faster improvement.

What is the best thing we can do at home?

✔ Speak to your child in the language you are most comfortable using
✔ Talk often, read together, and tell stories in Spanish
✔ Encourage your child to express ideas—mistakes are okay
✔ Work with your speech-language pathologist as a team

Bottom line for families

Bilingualism does not cause language disorders.
Spanish is an asset, not a barrier.
Your child deserves support that strengthens communication without asking families to give up their language or culture.