Child With Autism? Boost Developmental Skills Using Sign Language!

This is a great article I came across on Autism and using sign language. I also came across a great website that has articles and I can place these on my blog as long as I dont change the content. If anything I may add a comment at some stage but always in brackets and in different colour. Remember most of these articles are written overseas as this one is. Written about using ASL which is American Sign Language. We dont use ASL - we use Makaton theory borrowing signs from the deaf community here in Australia- Auslan. So dont go buying resources from overseas as the resources will not be relevant to the country. But certainly the article is.

By MJ Williams MJ Williams


MJ Williams is the founder of Little Hands Express Inc, carrying degrees in Child Psychology, Sociology, and American Sign Language Linguistics; and has taught ASL ... Article Word Count: 787 [View Summary] Comments (0)

According to the Autism Society of America autism is now considered the fastest-growing developmental disability. This disability affects approximately 1-1.5 million individuals in the United States. For many individuals with autism their physical and cognitive development appears normal during infancy and early childhood. However, usually between the ages of two and three parents begin noticing a delay in speech production, as well as avoidance of social contact. There are currently no standardized medical tests to determine if an individual is autistic. A battery of screenings and observations must occur in order for a professional to diagnose autism.

Autism and the individual child

Autism and the accompanying symptoms vary greatly for each individual. Autism is only one of the disabilities that exists on the Pervasive Developmental Disorders spectrum, and implies variations in functioning for each individual diagnosed with a disorder on the spectrum. Other disabilities on this spectrum include Asperger's Syndrome, which typically includes higher functioning individuals with impaired socialization skills, and the more debilitating Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.

These pervasive developmental disabilities impair many areas of development including socialization, cognitive functioning, and physical ability. Autism tends to greatly impair the individual's ability to develop speech, as well as to interact socially (and appropriately).

The abilities of those with autism vary greatly. Some people with autism are able to acquire spoken language and are taught to use that language appropriately. More often alternative communication systems are necessary. Depending on the individual's level of functioning, many different techniques have been used to encourage communication. Assistive technology, picture exchange communication systems, and American Sign Language have all been used effectively for people with autism.

Sign Language Options for Children with Autism

Those with autism, who cognitively understand conventional communication systems, can benefit greatly from acquiring a sign system. There are various signing options, depending on the individual's level of functioning and overall ability. Those that exhibit higher cognitive functioning can learn traditional American Sign Language (ASL). American Sign Language has unique syntax and grammar, entirely different from the English language; however, it may be easier for a person with autism to learn because of its visually compact structure. Fewer signs are necessary when signing in ASL versus when using Signed English or spoken English. ASL utilizes facial expressions, body language, and contextual cues more than in English, where words are depended on to communicate expression.

Signed English is another option when introducing a communication system to an individual with autism. The difference between signed English and American Sign Language is that signed English tries to maintain the same grammatical structure and syntax as spoken English. Signed English can also promote spoken language acquisition by teaching the individual the pragmatics of the English language. By pairing the sign with the spoken word individuals can begin to associate objects with their English title. This sign system works primarily with physical objects. It is much more challenging using Signed English to teach abstract signs (i.e. thoughts, feelings, etc.) as they can not be seen.

Modified sign language is also used often for individuals with autism. Modified sign language uses conventional American Sign Language signs but tailors the signs to the physical and cognitive ability of the person using sign language. This signing system has many benefits for lower functioning individuals who are unable to acquire conventional signing skills. While it may be difficult for the individual to sign "bathroom" because of the dexterity necessary to place the thumb between the first and second fingers, they may be able to place their thumb on the outside of the first finger, and from that point forward that specific gesture would indicate that they need to use the bathroom, replacing the conventional ASL sign. Imagine the freedom and pride your child will feel with the extra independence achieved!

Autism augmented with sign language - added benefits

Teaching sign language to those with autism has many benefits, the least of which is providing the individual with a "voice" to communicate their wants and feelings to others. It is common among those with autism to display disruptive and self-injurious behaviors, often because of their frustration in their inability to communicate with others. Learning sign language allows these individuals an outlet to communicate appropriately and in a conventional manner, greatly reducing one's frustration.

There is typically a noticeable decrease in the rates of abusive and destructive behaviors once a communication system is in place. Above all, teaching a sign communication method opens the door for human interaction and socialization. While those with autism typically do not seek out opportunities for socialization, they will now have the means to do so since they possess a conventional communication system.

MJ Williams is the founder of Little Hands Express Inc, carrying degrees in Child Psychology, Sociology, and American Sign Language Linguistics; and has taught ASL to various university students; conducted baby sign language workshops, video conferences, and seminars to child care educators, providers, staff, and parents.

For more research information on the benefits of babies, toddlers, and children with autism using ASL, please visit: http://www.babies-and-sign-language.com/autism.html. For a helpful easy-to-follow signing glossary, please visit: Free Child Sign Language Glossary

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MJ_Williams (Remember the resource recommended here is not for Australia). Also when he talks about ASL we substitute Auslan; American Signed English - well we had Signed English or Australasian sign here but very few people still use it and of the course what we use for people with speech and/or developmental delay here in Australia is Makaton/Key Word Signing using Auslan signs borrowed from the deaf community. (refer to previous articles for more information on sign language)



AILEENS COMMENTS
Great article as it gets past that buzz of not using sign language with someone who is autistic. It can and does work for many different children. My personal feeling is always that we should try sign language first as this means an instant form of natural communication. Spontanious and so natural looking and such a part of our lives that the sooner we start using it the soon our child can start to communicate. Communication cuts out the frustration, isolation, and anger of not being understood.