Learning Together: The Benefits of Attaining Sign Language with Your Deaf Child

109592754 A 2010 study revealed that only 25% of parents of deaf children are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). While this number seems very low, learning to sign for your deaf child can be one of the most important tools in helping him/her develop with greater ease. What are the benefits of becoming fluent in sign language for your child, and why is it important to overcome any opposing factors in the process of learning to sign? At Hope Therapy Center, we have the answers your family is looking for.

Hurdling Over Obstacles

Statistics show that some parents of deaf children fail to learn sign language, making communication difficult. Additionally, some parents who attempt to learn to sign fail to master the language. The cause for this problem can vary with each parent. Some refuse to learn sign language because they see their child’s deafness as a “disability” or want to mold their child into a life of “normality”. Whatever the case, it’s very important to understand that your child’s development and your family’s interactions can be greatly improved by learning how to sign.

Understanding the Benefits

Learning a new language can be a challenge, no matter the circumstance. However, learning ASL can help you deal with the tantrums and impatience that your child may exhibit as he/she tries to communicate with you. Giving your child the opportunity to learn sign language and making sure you become fluent will allow them a chance to express how they’re feeling, what they need and what they want in a more effective manner.

Research has additionally revealed that a child who is exposed to sign language at birth will have greater chances of learning spoken language compared to kids who learn to sign later in life. These children have also shown to be highly successful in literacy and education.

Your Child is Our Priority

There’s absolutely nothing that can take the joy out of establishing a life-long connection with your child. Let’s help your child’s communication and language skills develop and grow with our speech-language pathologist and occupational therapist by his/her side.

Is Your Child in Need of Speech Therapy?

A child learning to speak is one of the most moving experiences for a parent, but when do the cute mispronunciations and stutters become warning signs? The feeling of suspecting your child’s speaking abilities are not as good as they should be can be extremely worrying for any parent. Friends and family may tell you some children are simply late bloomers, but there are several signs you should not ignore. Identifying them is key in providing your child with the prompt care they need.

Read the Signs

Children between the ages of 18 months and 3 years will often mispronounce many words that will have you guessing what they’re trying to say. While this is normal, you should be able to understand what they’re saying soon after. An evaluation of your child is strongly advised if they exhibit the following symptoms:

Overly sensitive to sounds such as vacuums, hair dryers, etc.
Has trouble pronouncing vowels
Only speaks by using vowels, such as saying “o” for “dog”
Only uses a word once with significant time passing before using it again
Does not seem angry, agitated or frustrated when you don’t comprehend them
Appears to not be progressing in speech
Uses single words rather than complete sentences

If your child has not started to talk or is doing so at an unnaturally slow pace, seek professional help immediately.

The Care Your Child Needs

We understand that speech disabilities affecting your child can be extremely stressful, but know that the staff of Hope Therapy Center in McAllen is ready to help. Our expert speech-language pathologist will work to evaluate your child’s current speaking abilities by using the best methods in the field and will continue implementing them to help overcome an articulation disorder. Being a parent should be an experience full of joy and we want to help you keep it that way.

Hope is Here

At Hope Therapy Center, we understand you would do anything for your child, and we will too. If you believe your child is in need of speech therapy, don’t hesitate to contact Hope Therapy Center today.

How to Cope with Your Child’s Hearing Loss

As a parent, knowing that your child has been diagnosed with hearing loss can be a painful experience. You’ll immediately want to learn about the condition and do everything possible to give your little one a chance to hear. Even though this is a venerable purpose, it can be difficult to accomplish. The most important thing to do when your child is diagnosed with hearing loss is to follow a strategy that will help you and your child make progress together.

Learning is Important

To increase the amount of help a speech-language pathologist and an occupational therapist can give your child, it’s important to educate yourself on hearing loss. One of the best approaches you can take is talking with parents of children with hearing loss to get a personal view about the condition. Investigate the services available for your child and see what you can do as a parent.

Don’t Forget to Be a Parent

We understand that your child is the most important thing in your life and we know that you’ll do the impossible to help them, but don’t let your efforts keep you from being a parent. Losing yourself in research can be an easy thing to do but remember that spending time with your child is just as important. One of the things that makes you such an important part of a therapy team is the fact that you know your child like no one else.

Organization is Key

The amount of information you are presented with can be overwhelming. To prevent stress and confusion, organize everything you find into files that can be easily accessible. Prioritize the most important information and keep sources like phone numbers, websites and agencies handy for quick access.

Hope Therapy Center