Help! My child’s day-care is teaching sign language. I don’t want my child’s speech to be delayed!

Image by @bethbapchurch on Unsplash

No, learning sign language will not delay your child's speech. In fact, research has shown that introducing sign language to young children can have several positive effects on their language development and communication skills. 

Here are some reasons why learning sign language can be beneficial for a child's language development: 

1. Enhanced Communication: Sign language provides an additional means of communication for children who may not have developed verbal speech yet or have limited verbal communication. It can help bridge the communication gap and reduce frustration. 

2. Early Expression of Language: Children often start using gestures before they can speak. Teaching them sign language allows them to express their needs and thoughts earlier than they would be able to with verbal language alone. 

3. Improved Vocabulary: Learning sign language can expand a child's vocabulary and understanding of words, which can later support their spoken language development. 

4. Brain Development: Studies suggest that introducing sign language to young children may positively impact brain development, particularly in the language areas of the brain. 

5. Cognitive Benefits: Learning sign language can enhance cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. 

6. Bonding and Interaction: Learning sign language together can create a strong bond between the child and their caregiver and enhance the quality of interactions. 

7. Multimodal Learning: Using multiple modalities (speech and gestures) can enhance learning and understanding for some children. 

It's essential to remember that teaching sign language to a child is not meant to replace spoken language but to complement it. Sign language can be introduced alongside spoken language to support and enrich a child's overall communication skills. 

Children who learn sign language and spoken language typically catch up to their peers in speech development, and there is no evidence suggesting that learning sign language causes speech delays. Some studies have shown that introducing sign language can positively affect early language development, particularly in children with language delays or communication difficulties. 

If you have concerns about your child's speech or language development or are considering introducing sign language. In that case, it's always a good idea to consult with a paediatrician or speech-language pathologist for guidance and support. 

Author:

Bec Broadfoot - Speech and Language Pathologist here at With You Allied Health

To learn more about Bec and her services, click here.