How Sign Language (ASL) Aids in Early Childhood Communication
This might sound either odd, or over ambitious for families to think about using sign language in their own household. Cue in a scene from Meet the Fockers with Little Jack signing a full sentence; Grandpa Jack wasn’t too far off...
So if there are no family members with hearing problems or people with communication disorders; why would you use it?
Did you know American Sign Language (ASL) is the third most studied language in the US? Outnumbered by only Spanish and French. So why would people use ASL? It’s something I’ve used in practice with children because even before a child can really start verbalizing, they want to communicate! There might be a misconception that if you teach your child sign language, they won’t be as motivated to verbalize or speak, or that it somehow hinders their speech development. Research says just about the opposite; and once kids develop speech, they’ll want to say it! ASL can help kids communicate sooner, possibly as soon as 6 months. Plus, it’s been shown that it can actually accelerate verbalizations and language by being able to put 2 words together sooner than children that didn’t use sign language.
It helps their basic understanding of language. ASL reinforces verbalizations and language by adding a visual cue with a kinesthetic movement to the auditory speech; targeting different senses for understanding and development of language. Signing also helps books become more interactive; kids thrive on learning through interaction, so when language comes to life (or signing) it makes it more interesting to kids. Babies have a natural tendency to use gestures and their hands, signing also reinforces motor development as they learn new skills.
For those in bilingual households, ASL can serve as a language bridge for children and adults who speak different languages.
Looking at the developmental milestones: at 6-7 months typically developing children start improving gross motor skills (bigger movements of the body), and sit independently. Somewhere between 10-14 months, the average baby says their first word. Signing builds upon those earlier developing gross/fine motor skills so that the baby can communicate before saying their first words. It also builds on a baby’s natural tendency to point and start to gesture with their hands to communicate.
Signing with Special Needs
For those with communication difficulties that continue through the years, sign language increases their opportunity to express themselves and connect with others. Some diagnoses that may benefit are Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Expressive language difficulties like Aphasia/Apraxia, Learning Disabilities, Delays secondary to Premature birth, tracheomitized children, short term illnesses, Post-surgical conditions that inhibit speech.
OT Tips
Start with 3-5 signs at first. What do they need most?
Create the sign at the same time that you verbalize it.
Make eye contact, and create the sign as close to your face as possible.
REPETITION IS KEY. Exaggerated motions might also help, kids are drawn to movement and visual aids.
Be patient. Signing back may not happen for a while, it may take a few months.
Once they do sign back, celebrate! Confirm their accomplishment and encourage them to do it more.
It may not look perfect at first, accept approximations.
Let this become a part of your daily routine, to use in everyday context and their routines.
There are also some “made up” signs that might work for your family, which aren’t technically ASL signage, but will help your child communicate.
Whatever works for your family to help the little ones communicate, and hopefully reduce meltdowns. If you have any other questions, or you want to talk about your child’s development, contact us or schedule a free 30-minute consult!
