My son is 31 months old in a early intervention program and I just received a note that the speech therapist wants to teach him some sign language. I really like that idea as far as helping him feel less frustrated. What I am wondering if this is usually what they do because I am not really sure how he is progressing . Its only been a month but I have to admit that I am worried about his speech delay . Thanks !
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My little brother was only having a small problem but he did not learn any sign language in his speech therapy. This was when he was 2 (in 1996).
It could vary depending on the place doing the therapy. I realize this doesn’t ease your mind. I advise you to ask the therapist or therapy center why they recommended it.
YES
old school is that you can only pick one form of communication(verbal, sign, pictures)
modern thinking shows that it is beneficial to use total communication–more tahn one from-
sign encourages communictaion–interatcing with language
it adds movement to words–and is an excellent multisensory technique to stimulate verbalization
Combining speech with some other form of communication such as sign language or picture symbols does help to enhance language development. Which one to use is the where the differences come in. If you are teaching sign language, the other people in the child’s life will need to know the signs to be able to interpret them. That means mom, dad, grandma, aunt / uncle, baby sitter, day care, etc. The reality is that most people don’t know sign outside of the deaf community.
The other option is the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). http://www.pecs.com/ In this system, you teach the child use picture symbols to request items and communicate with you.
Some speech therapists use both systems while others choose one or the other. Which ever one you use, it will not supress the use of language, it will enhance it.
hi mom
I think that’s wonderful! Total communication proves to be more effective than using only one form of communication during an early intervention program. I think the speech therapist you picked definitely knows what they are doing. Some speech therapists with only stick to speech. Your child is going to be fine!