There has been a growing trend in recent years of teaching babies and toddler ASL. However many question whether teaching ASL can hinder speech development. Creating a foundation for communication starts before a baby can speak, and it’s important to identify the difference between speech and communication.
Speech refers to the mechanics of using our tongue and lips to produce sounds and communicate thoughts and ideas. On the other hand, communication is defined as the process to which information is exchanged. Both speech and ASL are ways in which we can communicate.
ASL is a great way to facilitate communication for children that can not yet speak. Countless studies and research demonstrate how ASL doesn’t interfere with speech development, and it actually increases language, literacy, and social-emotional development.
Because sign language provides an earlier access to communication, it also provides opportunities for babies to increase their vocabulary before they can actually speak. It also helps to eliminate communication frustrations and reduces tantrums tied to communication.
To conclude, sign language serves to provide an earlier access to communication to children, helping them to develop language.
