~ What are “baby signs?”
~ Why do speech-language pathologists use them?
~ Do they prevent a child from using language?
These are often questions I receive from parents when I talk about implementing communicative signs into our sessions. To answer the first question, baby signs are adapted communications based on American Sign Language in order to facilitate language and assist toddlers in expressing their wants/needs at a young age. They assist with overall communication as the child’s expressive/receptive skills are emerging. Therapists often use baby signs in order to reduce frustration and allow children to communicate their thoughts/ideas using gestures and hand movements. They are considered beneficial when incorporating verbal models and target language simultaneously. They do not inhibit language, but rather help form a foundation to improve expressive and receptive language. Expressive language refers to spoken and written language (i.e., listening and reading) and receptive language is how your child understands language (i.e., speaking and writing). It is the ability to understand all forms of language and aids in listening and following directions.
Below are some examples of everyday communicative signs that are often used with toddlers and young children. They can be elicited during play, mealtime, bathtime, dressing, grooming, and all other daily activities in order to help your child request, protest, or comment.
~ What is the process?
First, start out by visually/verbally modeling the sign a few times when the request should be made in order to familiarize your child with the word and gesture.
When your child does not imitate, provide tactile support (hand-over-hand) by gently taking their hand and guiding them to produce the sign while continuing to visually/verbally model it (Be careful not to repeat this step too many times as it can cause frustration).
Once your child produces the sign with support, give them the item they were asking for while offering ample praise.
Repeat these steps until your child produces the target behavior independently by either verbalizing, signing, or making the request known with gestures.
*Other Reminders*
Attempt to make this process fun and enjoyable for your child by continuing to give praise (e.g., clap hands, offer rewards, use of high-pitched voice while telling them, “great job” or “yay!”) as they are signing.
Do not worry if your child does not use the sign independently at first. By offering a visual/verbal model, you are still teaching them the vocabulary word and helping them learn how to request.
This is not a one size fits all solution to communication. Some children do not like to sign or be touched and it is okay if they do not use them. It should not be forced in any way. As a parent, it may require a process to discover the best way that your child feels comfortable with communicating.
Additional Resources:
[https://babysignlanguage.com/]
[https://www.babysignstoo.com/]
[https://www.todaysparent.com/baby/baby-development/baby-sign-language-first-signs/]