| In recent times a growing interest has been directed | | | | successfully. Some reasons for this are that signs can |
| to teaching sign language to autistic children who | | | | be physically guided unlike speech, signs can be |
| have failed to develop speech. Sign language is a | | | | frozen in time in order for the child to process it, sign |
| language which relies on movements of hands, arms | | | | language is more iconic than speech, individual signs |
| or body and facial expressions in order to | | | | can be easily grasped and it is believed that signing is |
| communicate. This is commonly used by deaf people | | | | processed in the right hemisphere of the brain. Since |
| or hard of hearing people. But it is also becoming | | | | research has shown there may be differential |
| popularly used by other sectors, especially hearing | | | | disturbance of left hemisphere brain functions in |
| non verbal children who suffer from down syndrome, | | | | autistic children this might be another reason why |
| trauma, autism, cerebral palsy, brain disorders and | | | | signing is easier for them to learn. |
| speech disorders. More and more parents now rely | | | | Teaching sign language to the child would provide him |
| on sign language as a mode of quick communication | | | | her with a way of expressing his/her needs in a |
| particularly with their children who suffer with short | | | | manner which is more socially accepted and easily |
| attention spans or limited language capabilities. | | | | understood. Due to this the child would experience |
| Autism is a brain development disorder which results | | | | less frustration. Also an increase in social awareness |
| in damage to social skills, language and behavior. This | | | | and decrease in tantrums due to frustration will |
| disorder causes restricted and repetitive behavior | | | | follow with the ability to communicate. Another more |
| which can be identified during infancy or childhood | | | | crucial advantage in teaching sign language is that it |
| years. Autism affects many parts of the brain and | | | | would lessen some of the learning problems that |
| parents are able to notice signs in the first few years | | | | autistic children face. It is believed that through |
| of their child's life. One of the main questions arising | | | | acquiring sign language early on, the child is able to |
| with regard to an autistic child would be whether he | | | | build up cognitive structures which are the basis for |
| she is ever able to develop speech. According to | | | | later learning. |
| recent research it is conveyed that with appropriate | | | | As a parent or caregiver, there are many benefits |
| interventions there is a possibility that children with | | | | for you in utilizing sign language with an autistic child. |
| autism can learn to talk. There are several ways to | | | | You would be able to enjoy a more interactive |
| help autistic children to talk. And the most popular | | | | experience with your child as well as decrease the |
| way is to teach speech through the utilization of sign | | | | anxiety you face when communicating. Also you |
| language. | | | | would have a chance to experience a much closer |
| Researchers suggest that the use of sign language | | | | bond with your child. |
| increases the chances of autistic children learning the | | | | is one of the largest Baby Sign Language Networks |
| spoken language. In addition it also provides children | | | | worldwide. Their Kindersigns Instructor Business |
| with an alternative mode of communication. It is easy | | | | Opportunity Program includes everything you need to |
| for parents or caregivers to learn sign language and | | | | start your Baby Sign Language Business including |
| utilize it while interacting with an autistic child. Also it is | | | | learning modules, class materials, web site and email. |
| found that autistic children are able to learn signing | | | | |