Can Sign Language Help Children with Speech Delays?
Many parents express hesitation with using sign language in children with or without speech delays. Often, a common concern we hear is that parents do not want to delay a child’s speech more (or at all) by allowing them to rely on a sign instead of using their voice. We hear you! If this is your concern you are not alone. Ms. Jenna is one of our wonderful speech pathologists who works with her patients and their families to use sign language to improve communication. Read on for her insight on how sign language can HELP increase your child’s speech!
The answer is YES. And here’s a how-to guide! Using signs with children with or without speech delays will promote language development. You do not have to sign every word that you speak; rather, sign core words, common first words or highly motivating words. Signing paired with a verbalization gives the child a model, only providing them with MORE ways to communicate.
Core words (these words can be used functionally in multiple situations such as mealtime, play, bath time): more, all done, eat, go, open, help, my turn, up, down, ready, play, yes, no, stop, potty/bathroom, please, thank you.
Nouns that are common in their environment: dog, cat, ball, bubbles, blocks, car, truck, bath, shoes, shirt, water, milk, music, video, TV, foods they like to eat, animals, toys they play with, family, etc.
Verbs: sit, stand, throw, swing, run, walk, jump, see, etc.
Adjectives/Descriptors: colors, big, little, dirty, clean, wet, on top, next to, fast, slow, happy, etc.
Begin with learning 10-12 words to sign consistently with your child. Do a quick Google search for each word you are trying to learn. The internet is your best friend!! You will be able to find a few second video examples of the signs. Once you feel confident with those signs, start using them anywhere and everywhere. You can sign these words in a full sentence while labeling an object, showing the child a picture (like in a book), or even when the child sees something they like on TV or in a video.
Once your child is about 12 months, you can begin helping them do the signs themselves. This way, they learn the motor movement and will hopefully use the sign to expand their language skills. They can use these signs to request, label, comment, describe, etc! You want to begin with your child getting their basic wants and needs met (this is why I suggest you begin with core/common words you can use during any time/any activity during the day). Once they begin verbalizing/signing words more consistently, use more signs to help expand their vocabulary! This is where learning descriptors and verb signs can help!
Thank you Ms. Jenna for some great advice and tips on incorporating sign with your child into functional, daily situations. We have lots of little signers at GASLC - it is always wonderful to watch how this increases in their overall communication!
Happy signing!!
