The CHIME Infant/Toddler program provided an opportunity for parents and children to interact with each other. We would talk about progress, ideas for growth and just share. One mom discussed how her speech therapist would not teach, use or support sign language for her child. The mom heard from other moms about the success of sign language and she wanted to try it. Her speech therapist actively discouraged her. This example highlights the problem with many therapists who treat ASD children. Therapists develop a specific plan for treating children and do not want input from parents. Why would the therapist not try a proven way to help this child communicate?
Sign language saved us. Kyle would scream to make his needs and wants known to me. Imagine hearing your only son yell at you 10 or more times every day. No matter how much you love someone, the constant stress of hearing him shriek will strain your relationship. Our speech therapist recommended specific phrases for us to use. We learned a total of 40 signs including I want, drink, eat, yes, no, more, all done, and mine before we faded the support. We combined the signs with words to encourage verbal communication.
If your child is not using verbal communication, try sign language. If your therapist will not support you, learn sign language using the Internet or get a book from the library/bookstore. Find a therapist who will support your goals since you are ultimately the expert on your child.
Some helpful websites to get you started:
http://www.lessontutor.com/eesASL8.html
http://www.aslpro.com/cgi-bin/aslpro/aslpro.cgi
http://www.start-american-sign-language.com/baby-sign-language.html
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