One factor that may influence how executive functions develop is exposure to more than one language in childhood. This study explored the impact of bilingualism on inhibitory control in autistic (n = 38) and non-autistic children (n = 51). Bilingualism was measured on a continuum of exposure to investigate the effects of language environment on two facets of inhibitory control. Behavioural control of motor impulses was modulated positively through increased bilingual exposure, irrespective of diagnostic status, but bilingual exposure did not significantly affect inhibition involving visual attention. The results partially support the hypothesis that bilingual exposure differentially affects components of inhibitory control and provides important evidence for families that bilingualism is not detrimental to their development.

可能影响执行功能如何发展的一个因素是童年时期接触过一种以上的语言。本研究探讨了双语对自闭症（n = 38）和非自闭症儿童（n = 51）抑制控制的影响。双语是在连续暴露中测量的，以研究语言环境对抑制控制两个方面的影响。运动冲动的行为控制通过增加双语暴露得到正向调节，无论诊断状态如何，但双语暴露不会显着影响涉及视觉注意力的抑制。结果部分支持这样的假设，即双语暴露对抑制性控制的成分有不同的影响，并为家庭提供了双语不损害其发展的重要证据。