Working with a deaf child!! Any advise?

Question

My son is 2 and will be 3 the end of September. I have had some trouble with getting him potty trained. They say when he was tested for getting into early intervention that there were reasons for concern with Autism but I think its from his hearing... Yeah he likes just turning circles but the rest of his actions seem to be his hearing. From the time he was a baby he studied peoples face reactions and vibrations. So.. I dont think its Autism but I am having troulbe with getting him out of pull-ups... And a little more.. But my big goal for the summer has yet to be met and he starts school in 3 weeks... WHAT SHOULD I DO? Is there anyway to help a deaf child potty train.. We have also tried teaching him signs but sometimes its like he dont get them... He does maybe 10 and he acts like he dont get the rest... Im lost... I dont know where he should be at almost three years old in development in the first place. I know he should be late but how late in development? Any Advise?

Answer 1

I question also...whether your early intervention program requires 3 year olds to be potty trained.  Most that I've been involved with do not...and will help you with the potty training by being consistent during the day, themselves.  My son is 3 in August and we were trying for the summer potty trained business...but to be truthful...I don't think he will be.  His only "delay" is an articulation delay so it should not effect his potty training.  Some kids just don't care (especially seen in boys moreso than girls) others just aren't ready to.  I have a child in my care who just now started coming to me in underwear this week...a boy...he is now 3 1/2.  Though most people think that 2 is when you should start potty training and 3 is the magic number...it's not really true.  Technically, some children just aren't ready until 3.5 or close to 4...that's how their body is...no fault of their own or for the lack of parent's consistency with the potty training.  So my point is...it may not be your child's "delays" that are effecting potty training...but more just his physical development.  Just stay consistent...I wouldn't consider him late in his development at all in this area. Keep doing what you are doing.  

As for sign language, 10 is pretty good.  But I bet he understands more than he lets on...if you are consistent in using it yourself...they understand more than they sign.  I found at at about 1.5-2 years of age is really when they grasp the whole concept...unless you are using sign all the time and for everything...then 10 signs are good.  Almost 3 year olds are very good at "acting like they don't get it"...that's why some people still consider them as babies...but really they are smart little cookies.  :-)  Stay encouraged!  Have you used the Signing Time DVD's?  I found that my children loved them and the repetition helped them to learn the signs quickly.   Good luck!  Your Early Intervention Program will be a great resource for you.  ASK them for help...they love to help...so many times parents feel embarrassed or whatever and don't want to ask for help but that's what the therapists are therefor!  Bring up your concerns they will help you come up with reasonable expectations.  As a parent it's easy for us to higher our expectations and all we reap is dissapointment. :-)  We don't want that!  I'm sure you are a great mom!

Answer 2

Have you tried taking a sign language class yet?  If you're only signing certain things to him once in a while, he may not make the connection of the sign with the action.  Many parents of deaf children learn sign language through local classes and from other deaf people.  This would be a great way to open up communication with your son.  You want to establish his language base now, but you can't do that without a firm base in American Sign Language first.  

I've seen pleanty of deaf and hard of hearing kids enter school and be far behind grade level.  If the parents are committed to signing, the child usually catches up to his peers sooner rather than later (or never, such as those not encouraged to sign!).  

You may want to google search "asl parents of deaf children" as there may be support groups locally for you to join.  Also, keep in mind, he may have autistic tendencies, and will probably need to be re-evaluated once he has more language.  10 recognized words is more appropriate for an eleven month old, not a three year old!  I can only encourage you to sign, sign, SIGN more! :)

Answer 3

Can he read? Writing words down to help him understand might help. Also use gestures like when u feel u have to go, show him to the bathroom and point to the toilet or something. Just keep at it, im sure ull get it

Answer 4

A deaf child misses a lot of the cues that are available to hearing children, and therefor, just miss many of the benchmarks through no fault of their own or yours. He will progress, and he will progress faster once he is in school and is in a program designed especially for children that are deaf. Don't expect him to be able to do all the things hearing children can at this point in his life. Once he is older, and communication is easier for him,  you may see him catch up.

Does the school require him to be potty trained? Many special programs will help with basic skills until children cam do these things on their own. I would imagine that this is a problem for many children in the program. I would talk to the school, the teacher, principal, or whoever is available and share your concerns.

My hearing son didn't potty train until he was in his twos, so I don't think that is unusual. He potty trained on his own time when he was ready, just as he has done everything else in his life. It is nice when they are grown up and on their own. Enjoy him while he's little.

Answer 5

Well I belief that with God all things are possible. If only you can put yout trust and faith in God. Give him time and be patient with him along with prayers he take to correction and he will be perfect  in everything you want him to do. Pls don't be  too tough on him. Teach as if you are  communicating with seven months old baby. I have a strong belief in me that their will be a changes in him soonest and I will be praying also along with you. Remain blessed.