It is important for autistic & special needs children to communicate with their parents and caregivers. Communication gives them the ability to express what they want and need to say. American Sign Language (ASL) has been shown to decrease the level of frustration caused by the lack of communication.
"Children who have autism have great difficulty processing verbal information and do far better responding to visual communication. Sign language...[is] much easier for them to understand than words. Language appears to be jumbled in their heads, and sign language gives them another piece in what for them is a very confusing puzzle." -Marilyn Daniels, "Dancing with Words"
Children with autism/special needs have a need for improved communication skills. ASL has become one of the most popular methods of improving these skills.
Speaking and signing the word stimulate the language part of the brain (left hemisphere) and the visual part of the brain (right hemisphere). For this reason signing facilitates learning for children who are restricted from speech.
Teaching an autistic/special needs child ASL helps in mitigating disruptive behavior such as outward displays of aggression, self inflicted injurious behavior and tantrums.
ASL could be the answer for your family!
Come on out and and meet me at the English Montreal School Board Resource Fair for special needs - Transitioning Towards Independence". Free for parents, students and educators.
Thurs. April 12, 2012
7-9pm
6000 Fielding Ave., Montreal, H3X 1T4
Laurence Patterson Room
Links:
www.apraxia-kids.org