American Sign Language (ASL) is more than just a way to communicate for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing – it’s a language that can open doors for many children with autism. ASL is the third most commonly used language in the United States, following Spanish and French, with approximately 2 million people using it daily.
For autistic children, learning ASL can offer a new world of opportunity, providing them with a valuable tool to express their needs, navigate social interactions, and thrive in both school and home environments.
1. It reduces the use of hearing aid
The Gallaudet Research Institute reports that 40% of children with hearing loss also have an additional disability, and among students who are deaf or hard of hearing, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is around 1 in 59.
Despite the degree of hearing loss, many individuals with autism and hearing loss may not tolerate the use of hearing aids. They may not like the increased level of auditory information provided by a hearing aid or the tactile feeling of the hearing aid in their ear canal.
However, even autistic children with normal hearing may benefit from ASL. Many children with autism struggle with auditory processing, making verbal communication difficult. ASL offers them a visual alternative that can help bridge the communication gap, especially when sensory sensitivities to sound are present.
2. ASL enhances eye contact and facial expression
Eye contact can be particularly challenging for children with autism. Yet, ASL requires individuals to focus on the person they are communicating with, as visual attention is essential for understanding sign language. This encourages autistic children to engage more fully in interactions, potentially improving their eye contact and social engagement.
On top of that, ASL relies heavily on facial expressions to convey meaning. Raised eyebrows, for instance, indicate a yes/no question. These cues help autistic children interpret non-verbal communication more effectively, something they might struggle with in spoken conversations.
3. It improves social skills
People have always been attracted to ASL. The movements and the beauty of the language attract interest in people. Children in school or the neighborhood may be more inclined to engage with an autistic child who uses sign language.
This can allow for a wider circle of social interaction during both the school day and within their local community, which could greatly improve your autistic child’s social skills. Even siblings can become involved by learning how to communicate successfully without any sound involved.
4. It manages noise sensitivity
Children with autism often have a sensitivity to sound in their own environments or will wear headphones or earbuds to block out noise during the school day. However, these devices must be removed constantly in an attempt to hear what is being said.
Children with autism who can use sign language can leave their headphones or earbuds in place while keeping the noise levels reduced while still maintaining their ability to communicate through ASL.
5. ASL is a foreign language they can learn
ASL is considered a foreign language by many public schools across the United States. Students with autism may struggle to learn a foreign language that is verbal, such as French, German, or Italian.
However, they may thrive when it comes to dealing with a visual foreign language. It may allow them to gain foreign language credit both in high school and college.
6. ASL is effective for nonverbal autism
Some students with autism may be non-verbal. ASL can offer a means for letting their basic needs be known throughout the school day. If the home also learns ASL, it will allow these students to generalize their language skills from school into their home.
There are also students with autism who are very verbal, but at different times during their involvement at school or home, will elect to shut off their voices. This is often referred to as selective mutism.
During this time, communication with teachers, parents, and family members can become extremely difficult. Children with autism who have learned ASL have found they can still deal with their anxiety and insecurities, possibly shut off their voices, and still maintain communication by using their ASL skills
7. It enables socialization through ASL clubs
Children with autism may have difficulty joining clubs and activities within the school system and community, making the ASL club a terrific option. There are always peers in the school system who would love to learn ASL for a variety of reasons.
Parents and teachers can work together to start an American Sign Language Club at their school. Children with autism who sign could be encouraged to join and thus widen their opportunities to make friends and strengthen their social and communication skills.
8. ASL helps develop self-advocacy skills
Throughout school, many professionals will work with your child to assist in developing their self-advocacy skills. Some students with autism may not want to verbally state their needs or wants.
Others may simply be nonverbal and consistently struggle with making their needs known. ASL can be introduced to these students as an effective way to self-advocate. It can become another “tool” to utilize when necessary.
9. It reduces behavioral issues
All behavior is, in some way, a form of communication. Many students with autism may react behaviorally if they feel frustrated or anxious over not being understood or having their needs met. Children with autism who struggle with communication can be introduced to ASL.
Once their needs are being met consistently, they may not feel the need to act upon the usage of inappropriate behaviors as a means for gaining either attention or accessing a preferred item.
Using simple sign language for autism brings amazing results
Incorporating simple sign language into the lives of autistic children can lead to remarkable outcomes. It not only opens new avenues for communication but also fosters deeper connections, enhances social skills, and reduces frustration.
Whether used at home, in school, or within the broader community, sign language empowers autistic individuals to express themselves more clearly and confidently, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and inclusive experience.
This article was featured in Issue 92 – Developing Social Skills for Life
FAQs
Q: Can an autistic child learn sign language?
A: Yes, many autistic children can learn sign language. Autism frequently coexists with other conditions, such as hearing loss, which can range from mild to profound. ASL can be a highly effective communication tool, especially for those who struggle with verbal language.
Q: Can non-verbal autistic individuals use sign language?
A: Yes, non-verbal autistic individuals can use sign language as a means to communicate their needs and thoughts, providing them with an alternative to spoken language.
Q: Should I teach my autistic child sign language?
A: Teaching your autistic child sign language can be beneficial, as it can help them communicate more effectively, reduce frustration, and enhance their social interactions.
References
Clason, D., (2017). Healthy Hearing. Autism Spectrum Disorder and Your Child`s Hearing Health.
Gallaudet University Library, 2016
