I've already shared 7 reasons why everyone needs Signing Smart. Over the past two years, many have asked about using the Signing Smart programs with children on the autism spectrum. My answer has always been that I didn't have the research to back me up, but what I knew about each of those subjects would lead me to believe that using American Sign Language with children on the autism spectrum who are struggling with communication would provide a great benefit. Recently, I have had the opportunity to do a bit of research on this topic, and I'm happy to say that, not only were our gut reactions correct, I now have some research to support that!
In may ways, though, the findings I will share with you apply not only to children on the autism spectrum. Children with a delay in language for any reason can absolutely benefit from using American Sign Language and the tools and strategies offered by Signing Smart - even after the age of 2.
Many children who fall into this group may be labeled "non-verbal," however, they are far from silent! While unable to communicate successfully, a child may still be able to produce consonant and vowel sounds or even syllables consisting of multiple letter sounds. (Kauffman, N., Shaping Verbal Language for Children on the Spectrum of Autism Who Also Exhibit Apraxia of Speech) Using American Sign Language via Signing Smart's techniques as a means of early communication and language exposure while simultaneously working on other speech development activities could lead to astounding results!
Just like with hearing infants and toddlers, research has found that American Sign Language can actually speed the acquisition of spoken language. Also, just like hearing infants and toddlers, the successful communication afforded by ASL can help to reduce frustration and can "serve the purpose of functionally replacing other disruptive behaviors such as aggression, self-injurious behavior, and tantrumming" (Helwig, C. Autism and ASL)
Other researchers have found that using American Sign Language also provides additional benefits to children on the autism spectrum. One such area might be improved attentiveness to social gestures both those being used by the child as well as interpreting those seen from others. (Edleson, S., Signed Speech or Simultaneous Communication) Other benefits relate to the manual nature of ASL and the idea that parents/caregivers/teachers can physically help the child form a sign as part of the learning process, unlike spoken language. Because of this, children with a wide variety of functional abilities can successfully use sign language as part of their communication.
Whether your goals are focused on developing spoken language or an alternative means of communication, American Sign Language and the Signing Smart tools and strategies can help you get there!
Ready to get started? Contact me to arrange your private, small or large group class! SigningWithMissSteph@Gmail.com
Here are the resources that helped me write this post:
Edelson, S. (n.d.). Signed Speech or Simultaneous Communication. from http://www.autism.org/sign.html
Helwig, C. (2008) Autism and ASL from http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/autism.htm
Kauffman, N. (n.d.) Shaping Verbal Language for Children on the Spectrum of Autism Who Also Exhibit Apraxia of Speech from http://www.apraxia-kids.org/library/shaping-verbal-language-for-children-on-the-spectrum-of-autism-who-also-exhibit-apraxia-of-speech/
It must be so frustrating to have so much to say and not be able to say it! It makes sense that teaching non-verbal children to communicate more efficiently will alleviate some of their frustrations.
ReplyDeleteBe it typically developing infants and toddlers or older children with a language delay of any sort...there is definitely frustration in not being able to communicate their interest, their concerns, and their needs for sure! Giving anyone the empowerment to communicate is SO powerful.
DeleteThis is very interesting. I didn't teach my children to sign as babies but I think it is important they start to learn, and also myself. I just know the alphabet from being taught back in the 4th grade! Thanks for sharing with #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you link up again this week :)
ReplyDeleteThere's really no too late to get started, although it does become a bit harder to learn any foreign language as you get older. Regardless, it is definitely worth the time and effort! Best of luck with your studies, and thanks for visiting!
DeleteWe went to Sing and Sign classes here when my son was very small, and I still use some of what we learnt with him now #SSAA
ReplyDeleteThere are some awesome reasons to keep signing once our kiddos start talking and don't sign as much themselves. Good work, keep it up! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteInteresting post. In the UK, we have something called Makaton, which is based on British sign language, and is highly regarded as something which encourages speech in children who are having difficulties for whatever reason. #SSAmazingAchievements
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what Signing Smart is used for here in the US - one things it's used for anyway. I'm not familiar with Makaton, but I'm excited to do some research about it! It doesn't matter WHICH sign language a family uses - ASL, BSL, LSF (French), etc. etc. etc. When we give our children REAL language to work with, there are fantastic benefits! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteGreat post. I've been thinking about starting a few signs with my baby to see if he can communicate better than just yelling until he develops more words. I can definitely see why it would be helpful for children having difficulties.
ReplyDeleteI definitely encourage you to sign with your baby - there are tons of great reasons, including exactly what you've described. Please be careful to choose an approach that uses real signs as many include made up gestures which do not offer the same amazing benefits as real language does.
DeleteSigning Smart was actually developed originally for typically developing hearing children, but the benefits offered to those with a language delay are a fabulous bonus!
We tried to introduce Makaton to our son but he wasn't ready for it. I did notice the teachers signing when we visited his school this week. I'm taking Little E to sing and sign but we do need to use it more at home. I think anything that can help a non-verbal, pre-verbal child to communicate has to be tired. BUT it does need to be consistent (me telling myself off there ;0))
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up with Small Steps Amazing Achievements :0)
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I'm sorry your experience wasn't what you'd hoped it would be, but I'm happy to hear that his school is signing. All kids learn at different rate and find different tools helpful - I hope it takes off for you this time! Keep it up with Little E, too - there are tons of benefits for her. Some consistency is important, but don't stress yourself over whether or not you're signing every single time you say a word. With the right tools and strategies, you can be more than successful without all that pressure on yourself! Thanks for stopping by!
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