ABC Family orders 22 additional episodes of “Switched at Birth”

SWITCHED AT BIRTH - ABC Family's "Switched at Birth" stars Constance Marie as Regina Vasquez, Katie Leclerc as Daphne Vasquez, Vanessa Marano as Bay Kennish and Lea Thompson as Kristen Kennish. (ABC FAMILY/ANDREW ECCLES)

ABC Family has given a back-season order of 22 episodes for its one-hour original drama “Switched at Birth,” which gives the series a full first season order, according to a news release.

“Switched at Birth,” which premiered in June with a 10-episode order, will air its summer finale at 8 p.m. on Aug. 8 and return in early 2012.

“Switched at Birth” recently received the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists 2011 American Scene “Crystal” Award,®” which makes it the top individual television program honoree in this year’s competition, “for its groundbreaking and seamless inclusion of performers with disabilities, storylines that showcase new assistive technologies, and ethnic diversity,” the news release also stated.

In addition, the show and its stars have been nominated by the Teen Choice Awards in these categories:

- “Switched at Birth,” nominee in the “Choice Summer TV Show” category

- Katie Leclerc and Sean Berdy, nominees in the “Choice TV: Breakout Star” category

- Vanessa Marano, nominee in the “Choice Summer TV Star: Female” category