What else do I need to know?

Well, you should probably know that I am a Speech-Language Pathologist and an Augmentative-Alternative Communication Specialist. I use technology, signs, pictures, objects, gestures and a variety of other tools to help people with severe communication disabilities to communicate. I work part-time and love what I do.

Well, when you really believe in something, you can't help but do it. For years before I had my baby I have been hearing about "baby signs". I was always fascinated with this. Never read the book or anything, but the concepts made sense. In my profession, I have observed many people with a variety of disabilities who used ASL (American Sign Language) to communicate. To be really honest, I have no idea how to be a parent without teaching my kid to sign.

We have been teaching our son signs for 10 or so months now. I have modified some sign language signs to fit his motor development. (aka- what signs I think he can physically perform the motions for faster.) So, instead of shaking his hands for "all done" (finished), he raises both hands above his head. He signs "eat" the normal way. But instead of drink or cup, it was easier for him to sign "eat" and make a verbal attempt at saying "cup". He signs "please" and "more" with the normal ASL signs. For a while, we taught him the traditional ASL sign for toilet, but he didn't seem to be able to physically do the movement, or even an approximation. He seemed to understand it, but made no attempt to imitate it. So we modified it to a pat on our side, basically, the ASL sign for dog, but without the snap. He does it with both hands, it's easier for him.

We usually teach a sign for 3-4 months before it appears in his vocabulary. It's like magic, one day you've been teaching it for 3-4 months and he still doesn't have it. The next day, he's got it! You just never know when it will come in.