Sign Language and Autism

Overview

Journal J Autism Dev Disord

Publisher Springer

Date 1981 Mar 1

PMID 6927693

Citations 10

Authors

J D Bonvillian

K E Nelson

J M Rhyne

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Research findings and issues in teaching sign language to nonspeaking autistic children are reviewed. Data on over 100 children indicate that nearly all autistic children learn receptive and expressive signs, and many learn to combine signs. These children also exhibit marked improvement in adaptive behaviors. Speech skills are acquired by fewer children and may be developed through simultaneous speech and sign training. Possible explanations for these results are given, together with suggestions for future research and data collection. Recommended innovations include exposure to fluent signers and training in discourse and code-switching. Different sign language teaching methods need to be investigated more fully, including emphasis on training sign language within the children's total environment and with greater staff and parental participation.

Citing Articles

Sign learning of hearing children in inclusive day care centers-does iconicity matter?.

Goppelt-Kunkel M, Stroh A, Hanel-Faulhaber B Front Psychol. 2023; 14:1196114.

PMID: 37655202 PMC: 10467423. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1196114.

Sign learning and its use in a co-enrollment kindergarten setting.

Goppelt-Kunkel M, Wienholz A, Hanel-Faulhaber B Front Psychol. 2022; 13:920497.

PMID: 36160579 PMC: 9493243. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.920497.

Learning an Embodied Visual Language: Four Imitation Strategies Available to Sign Learners.

Shield A, Meier R Front Psychol. 2018; 9:811.

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Palm reversal errors in native-signing children with autism.

Shield A, Meier R J Commun Disord. 2012; 45(6):439-54.

PMID: 22981637 PMC: 3479340. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcomdis.2012.08.004.

Selecting a response form for nonverbal persons: Facilitated communication, pointing systems, or sign language?.

Sundberg M Anal Verbal Behav. 2012; 11:99-116.

PMID: 22477084 PMC: 2748559. DOI: 10.1007/BF03392891.

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