Sign Language and Autism
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Type(s) : Alternative and Augmentative Communication
Introduction
Sign languages are based on the idea that sight is a useful tool for some people to communicate and receive information. Sign languages therefore use hand shape, position, and movement; body movements; gestures; facial expressions; and other visual cues to form words.
There are many different sign languages including American Sign Language, British Sign Language and Makaton. Each of these languages is completely separate from spoken English. Each contains all the fundamental features a language needs to function on its own. For example, each has its own rules for grammar, punctuation, and sentence order.
Some sign languages (such as Sign Supported English) take the signs from another language (such as British Sign Language) and use them in the order that the words would be spoken in the spoken language (English).
Sign language is sometimes used, alone or alongside spoken word, to teach individuals with autism spectrum disorders to communicate.
Opinion
We are currently reviewing the literature on the use of sign language for people with autism.
If you are aware of any research, or you would like to share your personal experiences of sign language, please email info@researchautism.net Thank you.
Further information
Please see the Advanced version of this page for more information about this intervention, including relevant research studies and details of how we will rank them.
Disclaimer
Please read our Disclaimer about this intervention.
Last Updated : 29/01/2013 Back to Top
