interesting study on human development

Most parents are reluctant-they want them to TALK, not sign

But from what Ive seen, use of sign bridges a gap and makes the step to speaking come easier and quicker than simply waiting on speech

This would give a scientific explanation for that occurence

nfm

We used sign with my PDD-NOS son when he did not oral language skills. After learning enough signs to get his basic needs met he seemed to relax more and was able to pick up oral language skills. Today as a 4th grader he still uses signs to indicate distress or frustration, other then for this purposes he uses oral language. He uses the few signs he does as a coping mechanism to help calm himself when he feels himself getting out of control. Now instead of hitting himself or someone else he uses sign to convey his frustration or anger. I don’t know why this works for him but it is a very effective tool for him.