Can Sign Language Help With Autism?

Explore how sign language helps with autism, fostering communication and language development.

By Brighter Strides ABA

June 19, 2024

Sign Language and Autism

Sign language plays a crucial role in communication, particularly among individuals with autism. This form of visual communication offers a unique approach to language development and interaction, providing a means of expression for those who may struggle with verbal communication.

The Role of Sign Language in Autism

Language impairment is a significant characteristic of autism, often manifested as a delay in or total lack of spoken language. For individuals with autism, verbal communication can be challenging, leading to difficulties in expressing thoughts, feelings, and needs effectively.

In such cases, sign language emerges as a powerful tool. It provides a visual and kinesthetic method of communication that can be more accessible to those with autism. Sign language can be integrated into the broader framework of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). AAC includes visual aids and speech generation devices that can help individuals who have difficulty speaking or are hard to understand.

Benefits of Sign Language for Communication

The use of sign language in autism communication strategies has been shown to have several benefits. For one, it can stimulate language development. A study conducted in 1979 found that a combination of sign language and ongoing speech therapy (known as "simultaneous communication") could encourage language development in children with autism [2].

Furthermore, sign language can serve as a bridge to verbal communication. It offers an alternative pathway for expression, which can help children with autism develop speech. Even if speech does not fully develop, sign language remains a valid and beneficial tool for communication. It enables children to connect with others around them and participate more fully in social interactions [2].

In conclusion, sign language can play a significant role in enhancing communication among individuals with autism. By providing an alternative means of expression, it can help overcome the challenges of language impairment and facilitate better connection and understanding.

Types of Sign Language

When considering the question, "can sign language help with autism?", it's important to understand the different types of sign language that can be used. These include American Sign Language (ASL) and Signed Exact English (SEE), both of which have their own unique characteristics and benefits.

American Sign Language (ASL)

American Sign Language (ASL) is the standard sign language in the United States and Canada. It is used by 250,000-500,000 people in the U.S, who claim it as their native language, according to the Autism Parenting Magazine.

ASL is a complete, complex language that employs signs made with the hands, along with facial expressions and postures of the body. It is not merely a manual translation of English but has its own unique grammar and syntax. ASL can be used not only as a communication tool but also as a cultural identity for Deaf communities.

It's important to note that while ASL is standard in the United States and Canada, different regions have their own versions of sign language. For instance, British Sign Language and American Sign Language are so different they're not considered to be in the same language family.

Signed Exact English (SEE)

Signed Exact English (SEE), developed in 1972, is another sign language method. It is more directly modeled on English and follows English sentence structure closely. SEE replicates English words and doesn't rely as heavily on facial expressions to convey exact meaning, making it a good fit for individuals with autism who may struggle with understanding non-verbal cues.

However, SEE is considered clunkier and slower than ASL, and there is a much smaller community of adults who know SEE. Many professionals recommend teaching SEE to children with autism, especially if the goal is to achieve verbal communication. Still, the choice between ASL and SEE depends on the child's unique needs and circumstances.

It's important to remember that both ASL and SEE offer valuable communication tools for individuals with autism. The choice between the two should be made based on the individual's unique communication needs, personal preferences, and long-term language goals.

Sign Language as an Aid

Sign language, along with other forms of communication assistance, can play a significant role in aiding individuals with autism. Two such aids include Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and simultaneous communication.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC, refers to methods of communication that supplement or replace speech for those with impairments in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language. AAC can be a beneficial tool for individuals who cannot talk or are very challenging to understand. It includes speech-generation devices and visual aids that can be used to build language skills.

Visual supports, such as communication books or boards that use images and/or words on cards, can assist children with autism in learning and understanding language, processing information, and communicating. AAC also encompasses the use of Speech Generating Devices (SGDs), which research indicates can aid in teaching language and literacy skills to children with autism, contrary to the myth that it would obstruct the development of verbal speech.

Simultaneous Communication

Simultaneous communication, a method that combines sign language and ongoing speech therapy, can stimulate language development in children with autism. According to a study conducted in 1979, the use of simultaneous communication can be beneficial for language acquisition and progress.

The incorporation of sign language may aid children with autism in developing speech. Even if speech does not develop, sign language remains a valuable and useful tool for connecting with others around them.

In conclusion, sign language, as part of AAC and simultaneous communication strategies, can be an effective aid for individuals with autism. It offers an avenue for expression and understanding, providing a bridge to more effective communication and interaction with the world.

Sign Language Intervention

Sign language can play a crucial role in addressing the communication challenges faced by children with autism. It can serve as an effective intervention strategy, helping these children develop their language skills and improve their ability to express themselves.

Teaching Sign Language to Children with Autism

Language impairment is one of the main diagnostic criteria for a child with autism, specifically a delay in or total lack of spoken language. Visual supports, such as communication books or boards that use images and/or words on cards, can assist children with autism in understanding language, processing information, and communicating [1].

In addition to these tools, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can also be beneficial. AAC includes speech-generation devices and visual aids that can help build language skills. These aids can be particularly useful for individuals who have difficulty speaking or are hard to understand.

Teaching sign language to children with autism involves a combination of direct instruction, visual aids, and practice. The process starts with teaching simple signs that correspond to basic needs and wants, and gradually moves on to more complex concepts. The use of sign language can provide children with autism a way to communicate their thoughts and needs, reducing frustration and promoting positive social interactions.

Effectiveness of Sign Language in Language Development

Sign language can stimulate language development in children with autism. A combination of sign language and ongoing speech therapy, known as "simultaneous communication", has been found to stimulate language development in children with autism.

Sign language can help children with autism develop speech. If speech development is not achieved, sign language remains a valid and useful tool for connecting with others around them [2].

In conclusion, sign language can be a powerful tool in helping children with autism enhance their communication. By providing a visual and tactile form of communication, sign language can help bridge the gap between these children and the world around them. Whether it aids in the development of speech or serves as a primary mode of communication, sign language can significantly improve the lives of children with autism.

Health Impact of Sign Language

Sign language holds more than just communicative potential in the context of autism. Its impact extends to mental health and access to healthcare, particularly for deaf individuals. This section delves into these areas.

Sign Language and Mental Health

Sign language can play a significant role in mental health, particularly within the deaf community. Studies indicate that deaf individuals often experience barriers to primary care services, such as difficulty booking appointments or the lack of quality sign language interpreters, which can lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of mental health problems.

As a result, many deaf people report relying on information strategies from friends, family, and social media due to lack of confidence and trust in using GP services. This reliance poses risks, especially given the higher incidences of mental health issues within the deaf community [4].

Accessing Healthcare for Deaf Individuals

When it comes to accessing healthcare, deaf individuals often face numerous challenges. These obstacles can result in health inequality, reduced health literacy, and difficulty managing health conditions. Obstacles include difficulties in booking appointments, ineffective communication with reception staff, lack of deaf awareness, and over-reliance on written communication, among others.

A 2015 study revealed that deaf people have poorer health, probable underdiagnosis and undertreatment of chronic conditions, potentially leading to preventable ill health and reduced life expectancy.

To improve access to primary care services for deaf sign language users, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence established guidelines for assessing and managing hearing loss in adults in 2018. In the same year, NHS England introduced guidance for interpreting and translation services in primary care, including principles for service access, personalized approaches, and working with interpreters, specifically referencing BSL users and interpreters.

Sign language, therefore, plays an integral role in supporting the mental health of individuals with autism and improving accessibility to healthcare services for the deaf community. The use of sign language, in tandem with adequate support systems, can significantly improve the quality of life for these individuals.