Alexis Irazoque, M.S., CCC-SLP
As parents and caregivers, we all want to understand our toddlers and meet their needs. But when a child has a speech delay, communication can be frustrating for both the child and their loved ones. This is where baby sign language can help!
At Expressable, our team of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) has worked with thousands of toddlers with speech delays. Research and clinical experience show that teaching sign language can help young children communicate, easing frustration and promoting language development.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Will sign language help my child talk?” or “How do I even begin teaching signs?”, this guide is for you. Let’s explore the benefits of signing for toddlers with speech delay and how you can start today!
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Screener for childrenThe benefits of sign language for toddlers with speech delay
Sign language for toddlers involves using simple gestures to represent words. Babies and toddlers naturally use gestures (like waving or pointing) before they can talk, and baby sign language builds on this ability.
Research shows that children who use gestures and signs early on tend to develop stronger language skills later. Signing can also:
Reduce frustration by giving children with a speech delay a way to express their needs.
Improve cognitive skills. Studies suggest that learning sign language may support overall brain development.
Strengthen parent-child bonding by encouraging responsive communication.
Encourage spoken language development rather than hinder it. Many children begin to talk more once they realize that communicating gets them something in return!
If your child has a speech delay, sign language can serve as a bridge to verbal communication. Some children, including those with autism or motor speech disorders, may need extra support to develop spoken language, and signing can be a helpful tool in their journey.
If you’d like a visual guide to some basic signs for toddlers, check out our video demonstration of 10 essential baby signs.
Which signs should you start with?
When introducing sign language to toddlers, it’s best to focus on functional words – signs that help your child communicate their basic needs and wants. While the names of colors and animals are fun, they aren’t as helpful as words like:
More
Eat
Drink
All done
Help
Open
Up/Down
Go
Please
Start with a few essential signs that relate to your child’s daily life. Once they learn these, you can introduce more signs based on their interests and needs, like their favorite toys, foods, or drinks.
How do you teach sign language to your toddler?
You don’t need to sign every word you say—just the key words you want your child to learn. Here’s a simple approach to teaching signs:
Model the sign: When talking to your child, show them the sign while saying the word. For example, at mealtime, you might say, “More?” while making the sign for “more.”
Use hand-over-hand assistance: If needed, gently guide your child’s hands to make the sign.
Be consistent: Use the same signs often and in meaningful situations.
Reinforce with rewards: When your child successfully uses a sign, respond right away. If they sign “eat,” give them food and praise them!
Use signs during everyday activities: Mealtime, playtime, and bedtime are great opportunities to reinforce signs naturally.
For example, imagine it’s lunchtime, and your child is crying because they’re hungry. Instead of immediately giving them food, hold it up and model the sign for “eat.” If they try to sign back (even if it’s not perfect), reward their effort by giving them food and saying, “Yes! You want to eat!”
Will teaching sign language prevent your child from using words?
Some parents worry that teaching their child to sign will discourage them from speaking. However, research has consistently shown that signing supports, rather than prevents, verbal development.
By teaching sign language, you’re giving a child with a speech delay a way to communicate. Signing helps them express their needs while they’re still developing their language skills. In many cases, signing actually encourages spoken language because children learn the power of communication!
Signing can encourage spoken language because children learn the power of communication!
Sign language is a simple yet powerful tool for helping toddlers with speech delays learn to communicate. By starting with a few key functional signs and using them during daily routines, you can reduce frustration, strengthen your bond, and support your child’s language development.
Remember, every child develops at their own pace. Whether your child uses signs for a short period or for the long haul, what matters most is that they feel heard and understood.
If you’re concerned about your child’s communication, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Early intervention can make a big difference. Talk to your pediatrician, or contact Expressable for a free consultation call. Schedule one today—we’d be happy to answer your questions!
