Sign language is a common form of communication for those who have hearing loss or are deaf. Although in the past, sign language has been primarily used to communicate between those who cannot hear, it is also a great way of eliciting language from infants and children who cannot express themselves.
Sign Language with Babies
Using sign language with babies is a great way to communicate to children who cannot use words yet. Infants can understand language at a very early age. They also have the ability to comprehend language starting as early as 6-9 months. This leaves a gap in which infants can understand and respond, but do not have the physical ability to articulate words yet. The gap between 9-12 months is a critical learning period in which children try to communicate their likes and wants to caregivers but commonly cannot verbalize it.
Sign language is a way in which babies can communicate their wants and needs when they do not yet have the ability to say words. This does not mean that babies have the ability to make sentences or give specific sign details. Many typically used baby signs include words for needs such as, more, want, eat or drink. They can also make signs for typical things such as pets, colors, or foods. This gives the baby a chance to express him/herself and to begin learning language.
Sign Language with Toddlers
Although many toddlers have very little trouble communicating their wants and needs to their caregivers, there are some who just don't want to talk, or do not have the ability to talk. For these toddlers, sign language is a great tool to contribute to their language skills. Just as you would start out with a baby who is learning sign language, you would also begin with simple wants and needs for signs. Toddlers many times go through stages of fit throwing and increased frustration, and giving them this outlet can decrease it immensely. Just as an adult would use a gesture to increase the understanding of the information he is trying to get across, children can use this to supplement their output.
Sign Language with Children
As children grow, their ability to learn new things decreases with age. As an adult it is much more difficult to learn a new language. Children's brains are constantly taking in new information, and this is a great time to help them learn a new language. Children who know more than one language have an advantage later on in life. Not only does knowing more than one language beneficial for communicating with different people, it increases vocabulary, which then aids in later language development skills. These skills include things such as reading, social speaking ,and writing abilities.
Sign Language in Special Populations
Sign language can be a great tool not only for increasing communication in infants and children, but also to help those who experience extreme communication issues. Children who display disorders which affect their social skills or physical oral abilities can greatly benefit from sign language. Children with autism or selective mutism can use sign language as another form of communication when they feel uncomfortable speaking orally.
Children who have physical problems such as Down Syndrome, or Apraxia of Speech can use sign language to enhance their communication. It is not a goal for them to only use sign for communication purposes, but it does help allow them to communicate and decrease frustration. Children with physical difficulties often have so much to say, yet sometimes are not understandable. Sign language allows them to use another form of communication to be heard.
Sign language is a great tool, whether it benefits infants, children, or adults. It was made as a language for those who could not communicate verbally. It is not limited to those with hearing deficits. Sign language can help anyone who wants to increase vocabulary and communication skills.
Autumn Heseman - Autumn Heseman has a variety of experiences which contribute to her diverse writing specialties. She is currently a full time speech ...
