Does teaching an Autistic child baby sign language really help? Is there a benefit for you or for you child? Is the hype around this topic real? I’ve had experience with this subject and the answer; for us, at least, was a resounding “Yes.”
Lil’ B. could tell us things through signing long before he learned to talk. In our case he only learned a few signs because the realization that those noises we were making meant something was enough to get him started in speech. However, the 10 signs he did learn helped us through the year it took him to become mostly verbal. They also made his life a lot happier.
Andrea Ploehn offers an online course in American baby sign language. it’s not specifically geared towards autistic children, but if you have the tools, you may just find that your child is far more willing or able to use his or her hands to speak than speech.
This is what Andrea has to say about her program:
Just a few of the Benefits of Baby Sign Language
Your child will experience increased self esteem and confidence. As your child learns sign language and is able to communicate with you and other adults, they will experience a boost in self worth that will stay with them for life.Your child’s reading and spelling ability will accelerate. They learn to identify hundreds of objects and emotions through sophisticated play and increased interest in reading and books because of a heightened understanding of concepts.
You’ll connect with your child like never before! With today’s demanding society, children are getting less attention than ever before…to the point they are relying on video games and other “distractions” to influence them. Signing with your baby will allow you to connect with your child and make YOU their center of attention!
Your child’s life will be infinitely easier! You see, signing with your baby stimulates brain activity and engages the visual cortex…enabling your child to “get it” a lot faster than anyone else. That means your child will get a “head start” in life!
Your child will have improved memory storage. Using sign language helps open separate memory storage for cognitive development. By using visual, audio, and sensory stimulation, these multiple forms of learning allow for all types of learners to absorb information in a unique way.
Your child’s verbal ability will increase. Studies show that children who use baby sign language can be months and even up to a full year ahead of children who did not sign.
You can find Andrea’s program at signing4baby.com.
Before you ask. No, we didn’t use this particular program. we had an in-house occupational therapist and speech pathologist working with our son. i know not everyone can afford those services, so i’m trying to find all the information that I can for you.
I hope this is helpful!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Such a nice article on the benefits of using baby sign language and the positive effects on your son. I was a special ed teacher for many years and I always enjoyed the Autistic kids. They are truly special and communication is such a struggle for many of them. So glad that our program worked for you and Happy Signing! Kathy
It has been a definite help, thank you!
I’m not a baby but I am autistic and I can tell you I wish I could sign. I sense I could communicate with my hands those times when I cannot speak. I cannot tell you why I can’t talk at times, it is VERY frustrating and it’s sometimes all I can do to keep from screaming. I do know a few signs and that is helpful. My son understands them and knows more than anything, that this isn’t the time to be pressing me. Maybe I will consider taking sign language more seriously…
Kathleen,
Thanks for sharing that with us! My son decided he would rather talk than learn to sign, but still occasionally uses one or two. I can see moments where the words that he’s searching for just will not come out though. It’s frustrating for me to see him go through it, it must be torture for him to know what he wants to say but not be able to get it out