Seeking advice on sign language for mostly non-verbal ASD son

[Anonymous]

DS is six years old, on the spectrum, with major issues in expressive communication. We've tried speech therapy for over two years now, and there has not been much progress. He can say some words -- "I don't know" is his default response to any question -- and can speak more easily with prompts, but often seems to have problems getting a word out on his own. We are coming to accept that he will likely be mostly non-verbal, and are considering whether to take up sign language to supplement his communication skills. The alternative is to wait for him to learn to type and rely on assistive technology.

Does anyone have any advice on how to approach this?

And if we go forward with sign language, should I learn it first, so that I can help him learn it later? Or should the family learn it at the same time, so we can determine in real time whether sign language is appropriate for him? Also, are there affordable facilities near Bethesda that teach sign to people with hearing (parent or child)? I don't think DVDs or apps will be that effective for me — given my old brain, new languages are hard to learn.

Also, any thoughts on learning ASL versus signed speech?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

[Anonymous]

Op, have you done an eeg? Some seizures really impact language.

[Anonymous]

Have you tried signing time DVDs? They are tailored for kids (both babies and older kids). My kid learnt how to sign from those DVDs. They are interactive and use music to engage kids. If you kid likes music, he will love these DVDs.
Here is the link to their website:

http://www.signingtime.com/

Hope it helps!

[Anonymous]

Have you considered AAC (like an iPad)? That might be easier for you to learn/model on and for others to understand. I love this blog: http://niederfamily.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-limitations-of-sign-language-for.html

[Anonymous]

As an SLP who has worked with children with ASD for a long time, I commend you on looking for ways to supplement your child's ability to express himself. Have you talked to your SLP about this? For some of my students, sign language is the way to go; for others, picture cards/PECS or a speech output device are extremely helpful. There are many steps in between signing and typing that might be able to augment your son's communication. There are also quite a few apps for the ipad or a phone that couple pictures with words and use voice output to support his verbal development. It's hard to get into specifics without knowing more about him-how is his hand/finger coordination? Is he able to scan a busy page in a book to identify a picture? Is he more visually motivated or movement motivated?

In regard to sign language, you would start at the single word/sign level, and potentially progress from there. Very few children with ASD progress to becoming fluent signers, in my experience, so signed English is not the way I would go. There can be confusion with word endings in signed English that you don't find in ASL. I would recommend that you take an ASL class-they have them at Montgomery college in that area, as well as Gallaudet, obviously. You would then pick a few signs to teach. Starting with one or two and progressing from there once he has the idea of it, and always coupling the sign with the word. Then the movement becomes associated with the word, and some children find it easier to say. Technology often becomes more helpful for them later than signs if they find verbal speech difficult.

Again, though, I would talk to your SLP about this. She might have some good insights and help for you to support his learning. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Why not try both? iPads are cheap and there are so many programs for them. If you are in MD, you can get one through LISS if you can get through the lottery (we got an iPad through LISS years ago) or what ever device you choose.

I'd talk to Gallaudet for resources for sign. We were referred there for speech but it was just too far. I don't know much about it but they have a clinic there (not sure if they are set up for Autism).

https://www.gallaudet.edu/clerc-center/info-to-go/assistive-technology.html

Main office/center: http://www.gallaudet.edu/clerc-center.html

https://www.gallaudet.edu/about-gallaudet/birth---grade-12.html

[Anonymous]

We have a nonverbal teen. We were also told that he had dyspraxia and mixed expressive receptive language disorder and we were given a specific treatment program - which did absolutely no good. No speech improvements after years of therapy several times a week and also at home.
Anyway, DS LOVES his sign language lessons. While he hated to be read to previously he loves to be read to when signs are involved. He still likes spoken language - that is speaking to him- but he loves signing when it comes to books (he hears snd absorbs everything that you stand he has a good memory for many things, but spoken language just doesn't come back out).

Anyway we do in home family sign language lessons as its not really helpful unless everyone learns. It's great. Once we are more up to speed we will supplement with a community college class too and see how that goes. There are also sign language summer camp intensives for all who wish to go (a friend took that to learn how to speak to a deaf friend).

Our sons purposeful , spontaneous communication has increased with the signing lessons.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As an SLP who has worked with children with ASD for a long time, I commend you on looking for ways to supplement your child's ability to express himself. Have you talked to your SLP about this? For some of my students, sign language is the way to go; for others, picture cards/PECS or a speech output device are extremely helpful. There are many steps in between signing and typing that might be able to augment your son's communication. There are also quite a few apps for the ipad or a phone that couple pictures with words and use voice output to support his verbal development. It's hard to get into specifics without knowing more about him-how is his hand/finger coordination? Is he able to scan a busy page in a book to identify a picture? Is he more visually motivated or movement motivated?

In regard to sign language, you would start at the single word/sign level, and potentially progress from there. Very few children with ASD progress to becoming fluent signers, in my experience, so signed English is not the way I would go. There can be confusion with word endings in signed English that you don't find in ASL. I would recommend that you take an ASL class-they have them at Montgomery college in that area, as well as Gallaudet, obviously. You would then pick a few signs to teach. Starting with one or two and progressing from there once he has the idea of it, and always coupling the sign with the word. Then the movement becomes associated with the word, and some children find it easier to say. Technology often becomes more helpful for them later than signs if they find verbal speech difficult.

Again, though, I would talk to your SLP about this. She might have some good insights and help for you to support his learning. Good luck!

This is not accurate. Sign language really doesn't concern itself with word endings. It's more of a summary of a sentence that signers do. They all leave a lot of stuff out.
Our ASD child is well on his way to good fluency with signing. We are learning from a certified signing teacher. I would not recommend looking up signs on the Internet or with your SLP unless it's supplemented with lessons from a fully trained sign language teacher.

SLP s always have the idea that signs are a temporary stop for kids on their way to speech but if your kid is not progressing is highly recommend sign language lessons from a signing language professional and not an SLP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a nonverbal teen. We were also told that he had dyspraxia and mixed expressive receptive language disorder and we were given a specific treatment program - which did absolutely no good. No speech improvements after years of therapy several times a week and also at home.
Anyway, DS LOVES his sign language lessons. While he hated to be read to previously he loves to be read to when signs are involved. He still likes spoken language - that is speaking to him- but he loves signing when it comes to books (he hears snd absorbs everything that you stand he has a good memory for many things, but spoken language just doesn't come back out).

Anyway we do in home family sign language lessons as its not really helpful unless everyone learns. It's great. Once we are more up to speed we will supplement with a community college class too and see how that goes. There are also sign language summer camp intensives for all who wish to go (a friend took that to learn how to speak to a deaf friend).

Our sons purposeful , spontaneous communication has increased with the signing lessons.

Good luck.

Also don't learn it first and then teach it to your son - learn it together. You might be surprised that your son might actually pick things up faster than you which is the case with our child (who has oodles of learning issues). You are years away from being an expert that can teach someone else so definitely learn it together.

[Anonymous]

I did a baby sign language class on my own with my speech delayed toddler, who went on to have other developmental issues, but a sign here and there proved very helpful.

Since your kid is older, I would consult with your SLP and maybe your son's school b/f embarking on something solo. PP is right, some kids gravitate to a sign whereas others might do better with a symbol/picture.

[Anonymous]

Have you tried signing time DVDs? They are tailored for kids (both babies and older kids). My kid learnt how to sign from those DVDs. They are interactive and use music to engage kids. If you kid likes music, he will love these DVDs.
Here is the link to their website:

http://www.signingtime.com/

Hope it helps!

+1
These really are great videos. My DS learned a lot from them, and never has been able to fingerspell due to dexterity issues, so the basic signs on this video have been great as a supplement to PECs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As an SLP who has worked with children with ASD for a long time, I commend you on looking for ways to supplement your child's ability to express himself. Have you talked to your SLP about this? For some of my students, sign language is the way to go; for others, picture cards/PECS or a speech output device are extremely helpful. There are many steps in between signing and typing that might be able to augment your son's communication. There are also quite a few apps for the ipad or a phone that couple pictures with words and use voice output to support his verbal development. It's hard to get into specifics without knowing more about him-how is his hand/finger coordination? Is he able to scan a busy page in a book to identify a picture? Is he more visually motivated or movement motivated?

In regard to sign language, you would start at the single word/sign level, and potentially progress from there. Very few children with ASD progress to becoming fluent signers, in my experience, so signed English is not the way I would go. There can be confusion with word endings in signed English that you don't find in ASL. I would recommend that you take an ASL class-they have them at Montgomery college in that area, as well as Gallaudet, obviously. You would then pick a few signs to teach. Starting with one or two and progressing from there once he has the idea of it, and always coupling the sign with the word. Then the movement becomes associated with the word, and some children find it easier to say. Technology often becomes more helpful for them later than signs if they find verbal speech difficult.

Again, though, I would talk to your SLP about this. She might have some good insights and help for you to support his learning. Good luck!

This is not accurate. Sign language really doesn't concern itself with word endings. It's more of a summary of a sentence that signers do. They all leave a lot of stuff out.
Our ASD child is well on his way to good fluency with signing. We are learning from a certified signing teacher. I would not recommend looking up signs on the Internet or with your SLP unless it's supplemented with lessons from a fully trained sign language teacher.

SLP s always have the idea that signs are a temporary stop for kids on their way to speech but if your kid is not progressing is highly recommend sign language lessons from a signing language professional and not an SLP.

That was in reference to signed English, not ASL. ASL does not use word endings and has its own grammar that is somewhat similar to shorthand of an English sentence, which is why I would recommend that for someone just starting out. I've been signing for a long time and I adore it, but I do try to be reasonable about my expectations-all kids are different. I'm so pleased that your child is doing well with signs.

[Anonymous]

My child uses augmentative communication and typing is not a requirement. AAC uses symbols and voice output. It can be controlled by eye gaze if fine motor is insufficient.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS is six years old, on the spectrum, with major issues in expressive communication. We've tried speech therapy for over two years now, and there has not been much progress. He can say some words -- "I don't know" is his default response to any question -- and can speak more easily with prompts, but often seems to have problems getting a word out on his own. We are coming to accept that he will likely be mostly non-verbal, and are considering whether to take up sign language to supplement his communication skills. The alternative is to wait for him to learn to type and rely on assistive technology.

Does anyone have any advice on how to approach this?

And if we go forward with sign language, should I learn it first, so that I can help him learn it later? Or should the family learn it at the same time, so we can determine in real time whether sign language is appropriate for him? Also, are there affordable facilities near Bethesda that teach sign to people with hearing (parent or child)? I don't think DVDs or apps will be that effective for me — given my old brain, new languages are hard to learn.

Also, any thoughts on learning ASL versus signed speech?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

I'm baffled by the bolded. There are many assistive tech solutions that don't involve typing. I would probably choose symbol based AAC over signing, and definitely over typing, in your situation.

Do you have a gage of his receptive language skills? In my experience (special ed teacher) kids who have low receptive and expressive language skills often benefit from a keyword approach using either sign or high tech AAC. So if we were playing a game, I might say "hey WAIT a minute! It's MY TURN!" and sign or model on a device the words WAIT MY TURN.

If I did choose sign, I'd use ASL signs, but not with ASL grammar. I'd use a keyword approach, with English word order, but just the most important words signed or modeled.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DS is six years old, on the spectrum, with major issues in expressive communication. We've tried speech therapy for over two years now, and there has not been much progress. He can say some words -- "I don't know" is his default response to any question -- and can speak more easily with prompts, but often seems to have problems getting a word out on his own. We are coming to accept that he will likely be mostly non-verbal, and are considering whether to take up sign language to supplement his communication skills. The alternative is to wait for him to learn to type and rely on assistive technology.

Does anyone have any advice on how to approach this?

And if we go forward with sign language, should I learn it first, so that I can help him learn it later? Or should the family learn it at the same time, so we can determine in real time whether sign language is appropriate for him? Also, are there affordable facilities near Bethesda that teach sign to people with hearing (parent or child)? I don't think DVDs or apps will be that effective for me — given my old brain, new languages are hard to learn.

Also, any thoughts on learning ASL versus signed speech?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

I'm baffled by the bolded. There are many assistive tech solutions that don't involve typing. I would probably choose symbol based AAC over signing, and definitely over typing, in your situation.

Do you have a gage of his receptive language skills? In my experience (special ed teacher) kids who have low receptive and expressive language skills often benefit from a keyword approach using either sign or high tech AAC. So if we were playing a game, I might say "hey WAIT a minute! It's MY TURN!" and sign or model on a device the words WAIT MY TURN.

If I did choose sign, I'd use ASL signs, but not with ASL grammar. I'd use a keyword approach, with English word order, but just the most important words signed or modeled.

I'd again recommend a sign language teacher if you think that you are in this for the long haul. We didn't start appropriate lessons with a sign language teacher as we were always led to believe that the signing would stimulate spoken language from our son but that never worked out. Our son is 17 and nonverbal. He leads a very full life but he is nonverbal. When I said that his spontaneous language has increased since he has started sign language lessons I meant to say that the increased language is in the form of signs - not spoken language.

Before years of sign lessons our son basically spoke with gestures and his eyes if that makes any sense. One syllable utterances is all he mastered after years of speech therapy.

If you think you are in it for the long haul - and st six maybe you are - I'd recommend real sign language lessons over stuff like pecs and pointing at things as sign language translates into opportunities to communicate with a whole community (the deaf and interpreter community) whereas pecs isn't really a language. As a mom and as a whole family we are really enjoying learning a new language. You can't really go wrong learning a new language - we actually have several deaf relatives and friends too. Our teacher translates many things for us as well - things like customs and how there are really a lot of different signs for many of the words, that kind of thing. We also need a lot of repetition to get things and we often go out places that are relevant to us to learn signs pertaining to our life.

In short - it's pretty darn fun, interesting and useful.

Good luck!