It is very common for parents to feel like they’re play guessing games when it comes to understanding their non-verbal or young child’s needs.

Signing can be a good option for young children that have not yet found the words to express their wants and needs or alongside other augmentative and alternative communication devices (AAC).

Using signs with children can encourage clear communication, whilst improving their speech and language development.

Key Word Sign (KWS) is a technique of using signs from Australian Sign Language where speech and signs are used for words that carry the most important information. Single signs are frequently used as alternatives to gestures such as pointing, reaching, crying, screaming.

When introducing key word signs, you may start with meaningful signs such as ‘more’, ‘finished’, ‘eat’.

eat

more

finish

Start by using these signs in context for example when you finish a game with your child, introduce the sign for ‘finish’ before packing up.

When teaching signs to a child, it’s important to show it, sign it and say it as some children may not remember the word or action when it’s only signed and spoken.

Your child may not begin with the exact sign. Accept their version of the sign and gently guide their signs to become more accurate by repeat the meaning back to them – “Oh you want ‘more’! Let’s do ‘more’.”

If you are considering introducing key word sign to your child, speak to a trained speech pathologist who can help you to implement signs in your everyday lives. The following links are also helpful resources and information:

The Auslan Signbank Dictionary –

www.auslan.org.au/about/dictionary

Getting Started Key Word Sign Booklet –

https://www.scopeaust.org.au/shop/getting-started-key-word-sign-auslan-edition/

Key Word Sign App –

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/key-word-sign-australia-auslan/id1037292601?mt=8

Key Word Sign Youtube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBoz41x5Y4V4hHvTqpzu7FA

References:

American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA). (2018, Sep, 26). 11 Tips to Improving a Child’s Communication Using Signs [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://blog.asha.org/2018/09/26/11-tips-to-improve-a-childs-communication-using-signs/

Scope. (2018). Key Word Sign Australia. Retrived from https://www.scopeaust.org.au/key-word-sign-australia/

Sign Planet. (2018). Baby Sign. Retrieved from http://www.signplanet.net/BabySign/BabySignPrint.asp

By Joanne Tran (Speech Pathologist)