Although sign language was first developed as a means to communicate with people with hearing loss, it has emerged as an effective tool in other areas, too – in particular, in teaching children on the Autism spectrum to communicate.
Autism refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication, according to the Autism Speaks website. An estimated 1 in 59 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with some form of autism, also referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). April is National Autism Awareness Month.
Speech is often delayed in children with Autism, which makes sign language a means for children to express their needs to caregivers. Toddlers can use basic signs to say things like "hungry," "more," and others.
Additionally, children with ASD are more likely to be visual learners, processing language in pictures rather than verbally.
In the HBO movie "Temple Grandin," based on the life of a woman with autism who later pioneered changes in the handling of livestock, Grandin explains that when someone says a word, she immediately calls up a picture of the item in her mind. Grandin, now a lecturer and animal scientist, has written a number of books, including one titled, "Thinking in Pictures; My life with Autism."
Sign language helps children on the spectrum better process information, interact with others, and ultimately, develop confidence in social situations. Research also suggests that the use of sign language increases the chance of children learning spoken language.
