Family Forum / Pregnancy / Pregnancy / January 2009

I've done signing with my girls since they were born - they're 2 and 3 now.
It helped with some communication before they were really saying words, and
also helps DD1, who has some severe speech delays.  DD2 has no speech
problems or delays.
I've heard that signing might have them using words a little later, but as
far as stunting verbal skills, no, I've never head that.  Signing has helped
DD1 with verbal skills - I also speak and sign the word at the same time,
never do I just sign something without actually saying it.
Another good plus is ASL is considered a second (or third, or whatever)
recognized language.  Even DS, who is just about 8, will sign and has picked
that up as I did it with DDs, starting over 3 years ago.

I signed with #2 and #3.
#2 had a couple of dozen signs at 18 months and (looking back at records) 85
words and was using 2 - 3 word sentences. So I don't think it stunted her
talking.
#3's uses about six signs (he's 18 months) and has around 40 words.
For comparison my oldest, who I didn't use signs with, had 63 words at 18
months.

I find signing useful and also fun. It's particularly fun when they start
developing their own signs which you haven't introduced.

Some people reckon that it helps their talking as they find that
communicating is good and want to do it. I'm not really convinced, but I'm
sure you can find some internet sites that say that to show your mum!

Debbie

No.  As a matter of fact the therapists I've seen over the years use
sign as a way to jump start language skills.

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Nikki