Teaching Your Child Sign Language

Speech Therapy Techniques
Parent-Child Sign Language Class

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Benefits of Sign Language

Sign language isn’t just for the hearing impaired. You can use sign language to communicate with your baby to better understand his needs and wants. Children with a speech disorder can also use sign language as a type of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. Many children with speech disorders struggle to express themselves; nonverbal communication methods can help reduce their frustration. Furthermore, sign language can facilitate the development of verbal language. Your child may benefit from using sign language alone or in conjunction with other AAC devices like picture cards or electronic AAC devices.

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How to Use the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

Speech Therapy Techniques
Sample PECS Cards

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What Is It?

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a system to assist people in communication who are unable to do so through speech. The system uses picture cards for communication. It is one method that a child with a severe speech disorder can use to indicate his basic needs and wants. This reduces the child’s frustration and his social isolation.

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Regaining Speech After a Tracheotomy

Speech Therapy Techniques
Tracheostomy Diagram

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What’s a Tracheotomy?

During a tracheotomy, a surgeon will create an opening in the trachea, or windpipe. This opening is called the tracheostomy, through which a tube is inserted so that the patient can breathe. Some people are connected to a ventilator if they have trouble breathing on their own. A tracheostomy may be temporary for some patients, while for others it is a permanent condition. A tracheostomy has a profound effect on a person’s ability to communicate.

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Is My Child Tongue-Tied?

Speech Disorders
Child Sticking Out His Tongue

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Communicating with your child can be difficult sometimes even without a speech disorder to get in the way. But what if your child has a physical problem that interferes with his speech? We’ve all heard the expression “tongue-tied” to describe someone at a loss for words. However, ankyloglossia, or tongue tie, is a real physical condition.

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