Effect of Infant Sign Training on Speech-language Development

Training session 1: Information is given about what infant signs are, how they originated, how speech and (gestural) language develop in young children with CP ± L, the possible advantages of using infant signs and tips for success. Twelve signs are chosen to start with: six narrative signs (mostly object concepts) and six steering signs (mostly non-object concepts). Training session 2: Experiences with using infant signs at home are shared, repetition of the 12 infant signs and tips for success are discussed. Another 12 signs are chosen to add to the repertoire the caregivers can use, based on caregiver input. Training session 3: The same as training session 2. The content is based on the input the caregivers experience. Another 12 signs are chosen to add to the repertoire the caregivers can use, based on caregiver input. Reading aloud while using infant signs is shown and practiced.

Training session 1: Information is given about how speech and language develop in young children with CP ± L and how caregivers can support their child during this development Tips for success and suggestions on how to use these supportive verbal techniques at home are discussed. Training session 2: Experiences with using supportive verbal techniques at home are shared and supportive verbal techniques repeated. Information is provided about how children learn new words and tips for success are expanded. Training session 3: The same as training session 2. The content is based on the input the caregivers experience. Additionally, advances of reading aloud are discussed and reading aloud is practiced.