Speech Delays? 5 Studies Show Sign Language May Help!

Scared to use Sign Language with a child who has speech delays? Research shows Sign Language can help. 

Many fears exist regarding the use of sign language with children who have speech and language deficits. Will the use of sign language in their treatment slow the process of learning the spoken language? Will the child remain using sign language instead of speaking? Does learning sign language create miscues in the brain for communication?

There have been over 65 studies done to consider the efficacy of using sign language with infants and toddlers. The results show that not only does it not hurt it helps in some very concrete ways.

1. Gesturing Activates Word Recall

Research shows that integrating gestures or signs with spoken language can significantly boost a child’s ability to learn new words. Studies have demonstrated that gestures activate areas of the brain associated with language, enhancing comprehension and memory. For instance, Dr. Spencer Kelly’s work highlights that pairing meaningful hand movements with words strengthens neural connections, improving word recall. This phenomenon is often attributed to the dual encoding of information through both visual and motor pathways, which deepens learning. Additionally, using gestures can make language more engaging and provide a bridge to spoken language for children who are still developing verbal skills.

2. Signing and Speech Increase Word Acquisition Rates

A small-scale study focused on children with Specific Language Impairment (SLI) found that incorporating both speech and sign significantly enhanced vocabulary acquisition. The children in the study learned twice as many words when both modalities were used compared to words taught through speech alone. This dual-modality approach not only supported initial learning but also had a lasting impact: Robertson’s findings indicated that these words became part of the children’s everyday vocabulary, suggesting meaningful and functional integration into their language use. The results highlight the potential of multimodal teaching strategies in supporting children with language challenges, reinforcing the idea that engaging multiple senses can facilitate stronger and more durable language learning.

3. Signing Early Helps Later

Researchers Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwyn conducted studies demonstrating the positive effects of introducing sign language to young children. They found that children who started learning to sign at around 11 months of age exhibited significant language advantages by the time they turned two. These toddlers had notably larger spoken vocabularies and were able to construct longer, more complex sentences compared to their peers who did not learn to sign. Their research suggests that using sign language early in life supports cognitive and linguistic development, providing a strong foundation for verbal communication. This finding underscores the role of early gestures in bridging pre-verbal communication with spoken language.

“As for children with speech and language delays, using sign language will allow them to begin communicating before they are able to speak as well. For some children, this is the push they need to begin speaking. This is often true for children with autism. Once these children learn the power of communication (through the use of signs), they often are more motivated to communicate through speech since they now realize what will happen when they communicate”

– Carrie Clark, CCC-SLP

4. Speech Paired with Sign Language Supports Different Learning Styles

Providing both visual and auditory information stimulates the child’s brain in multiple ways, allowing the child to process using their strengths. For example, if the child has trouble with auditory learning, they are given a chance to learn visually. An extension of this is that an auditory stimulus is fleeting but a visual stimulus remains longer in the visual domain. This additional time allows the brain to revisit and interpret the information, making it especially beneficial for children who need extra moments to connect concepts. This multimodal approach creates a more supportive and flexible learning environment, tailored to diverse learning styles and needs.

5. Sign Language is not a Barrier but a Support

Research reviews show that using sign language does not inhibit language acquisition in children with developmental disabilities. In fact, it may provide significant support for their ability to acquire and use spoken language. By combining signs with spoken words, children are exposed to a multimodal communication approach. This approach strengthens language development pathways in the brain. This dual exposure often enhances comprehension and expression, offering children additional tools to communicate effectively while reducing frustration caused by speech delays.

Studies have shown that sign language can act as a bridge to verbal communication. It reinforces word meaning and promotes cognitive and social engagement. For children with developmental disabilities, this approach may help them gain confidence in their communication abilities, ultimately encouraging more frequent and effective verbal interactions. Rather than competing with speech, signing appears to complement and facilitate the natural progression toward spoken language skills.

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Interested in using sign language with your child? This multi-sensory option is a great addition to your functional communication toolbox! Sign Language can help your child overcome barriers to effective communication and boost their self-esteem. Blossom ‘n’ Thrive can help you get started today.