At these young ages, learning to sign actually eases communication frustrations, Anderson said. Babies may not have the developmental ability to speak the word, but they can show what they want through a quick hand sign instead of just grunting and pointing. It empowers her to tell me what she wants. Anyone can sign Children may not be able to imitate the exact American Sign Language equivalent for a word or have perfect syntax, said Anderson, but they can be encouraged to use the motion they choose for that word. As they grow older and their motor skills improve, they can incorporate their own sign into the proper signed word.
Signing can begin at any age.
It s like learning another language, like Spanish, only this language just happens to not be spoken. One of the biggest myths the sign language instructor runs into is that if a normally developing child learns both sign language and verbal communication that he or she will opt to sign and refuse to speak. In fact, Anderson said studies show that children exposed to sign language have the potential for higher IQs as they exercise their brain capacity. They are more flexible in their learning, have an expansive vocabulary, are more apt to take on other languages and have a three-dimensional view of language. Baby and beyond A quiet form of communication is also attractive to many parents who find themselves talking on the phone or having to be discreet in a crowded theater.