Sign language is ok for a 2 years kid that dont speak?

Question

My son is a 2years old -diagnosed with PDD-not otherwise specified. I use verbal language beside pictures and sign language to develop vocabulary and expressive language. So far he says (mom-pa-come here) nothing else verbal ,but he knows alot. He has alot of receptive vocabulary , point to , match anything and matching-associating the primary colors.

My question is - Am I allright using total communication in order to get from him verbal language in the future???

Answer 1

Makaton is a type of sign language that can be used with young children.It works very well when used with verbal language.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makaton

Answer 2

No problem! It will help. I started signing with my kids until they told me they didn't need it any more. Lots of books and videos with babysigns.

Having a way to ask for things and communicate should help.

Answer 3

yes-

it may actually help stimulate verbal language-

it adds a sensory componant to language (movement)

and it stimulates communication as you can prompt sign, but can't force spoken words

Answer 4

Absolutely, we have a teenage autistic student at high school. He is totally non-verbal. He uses sign language and also uses an augmentative communication device. He is very bright. He too has very high receptive language skills. You are giving your son a strong foundation in language.

Answer 5

Yes, i would recommend using verbal language as opposed to sign language in your case because with PDD-NOS, communication is the deficit therefore it will not help to use sign language (which is a different form of communication) rather continue using verbal language to help him learn to communicate more effectively.

Answer 6

absolutely...  my 4 yo has autism,  was diagnosed a year and a half ago.  When we started therapy with him, he had about 20 words {circle, triangle, etc}   thespeach therapist started  with some basics, more, please, etc...   and always said the word and signed it...   a year later, hes got a vocab of more words thanwe can count, and is starting to speak in sentances :)  

personally i think using both sign AND speech, can only ehlp...  

keepyour chin up... and remember it takes a special mom to deal well with a special needs kid...  and many people out there have NO idea what its like to have a kid with an ASD...