Language acquisition is a very fancy term for taking up language in a way a person can then use that language. We use language to organize information and concepts, build upon prior knowledge and explain what we want to communicate.
Often I work with kids that are struggling to uptake language for a variety of reasons. We use many different techniques depending on the nature of the difficulties. However, the research on using ASL or sign language is extremely clear that teaching, using and communicating through sign language can increase a child’s IQ test result by as much as 8 – 12 points. That is a significant jump! Who wouldn’t want that for their child? Especially if your child has a developmental delay.
That is why I adhere to the Communication at all costs philosophy. Without language, a child cannot communicate or understand you nor you them.
We can use a picture schedule, words, symbols and signs to create meaning for objects in the environment. Once the kiddo has learned the name of things – they can then manipulate them as a concept. For example, if my kid knows that I am Mommy and he is Daddy, he can say, “No, I want Daddy”. Perfect communication – this can be conveyed through a picture of Daddy, a word on a card – Dad, or the sign for daddy or the spoken word, Dad. These are the building blocks of communication – using discreet units that mean something.
When a kiddo says she has a preference for something, her brain is creating a decision and communicating that decision. This is an opportunity to develop their brain. When I work with a family, we work on figuring out how the child will communicate and then we follow their lead – we want to match their communication preference because as adults, we have the ability to change our behavior. A baby or a small child does not have the resources to match our communication preference.
This is harder than it appears – but we strive to match their needs. Sometimes, just talking about the issues helps parents to see the challenges faced by their child.
If your child is having a hard time learning to speak – take a few minutes and see if she is communicating through some other way – pointing, grunting, crying or some other way and then try to adapt to her method of communicating and then bridge the gap between your method and hers.
If you have questions, please feel free to leave me a comment or questions and I will respond!
Thanks!
Bridges of Communications 