Comments on: Speech Delays and Sign Language: Is There a Connection?

By: Sunbonnet Sue

Sunbonnet Sue — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 23:31:26 +0000

very interesting. I had only heard the positive aspects of signing. good to know this important info.

By: carlabirnberg

carlabirnberg — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 17:41:57 +0000

Ive heard that a LOT.

emma is odd in that she only used a few signs with out saying the word at the same time.

(she'd, for example, sign BIRD and say it too right from the start(

that said my husband was NOT a signing fan for the very reasons you stated above.

emma is just now REALLY starting to talk (like this week...)

By: Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 15:05:59 +0000

Wonderful comments and thank you both for these great insights!
Lisa

Sandra: yes, talking is overrated; now if I could only kick the habit!

By: slatond

slatond — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 13:48:30 +0000

My brother is deaf so sign language is a natural and 2nd language for our family. However, other than the basic signs for (food, more, stop..etc) I did not teach extensive sign language to DD until now. She will be 3 and we use the verbal word first and then teach her the sign to talk to my brother. Like you indicated if they have extensive sign language early then it does appear to delay the USE of their language skills. I have seen this in my brother’s children and grand children.

By: Sandra Hanks Benoiton

Sandra Hanks Benoiton — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 06:40:00 +0000

I have had the same experience with my kids, only adding in one more spoken language to the mix. Although neither of mine were early talkers, I’m convinced that the signing helped them incorporate the two spoken languages.
Cj at 2.5 is just now speaking English that other people can understand, with a good bit of Creole thrown in, but given her brother’s example it won’t be long before we’re all praying for some quiet, thoughtful … signing? … time.
Talking, once achieved, is often overrated.