Recently, we have begun to realize that while Little Bug's sign language is helping him immensely in communicating with us, its does just that- *only* helps him communicate with people who already know sign language. This dramatically decreases his potential social circle- with peers and caregivers alike.
At first we were so excited to teach him sign, that I have to admit, I gave no further thought to it. We were very focused- eye of the tiger, even- get him words, now! But what I believe we failed to realize was the whole picture. There have been many positive things to come from it- he is happier and less frustrated as he can communicate with us. It has improved his spoken vocabulary by giving him a visual and physical cue for what a word is. He is truly excited to learn about them.
Unfortunately, there is always a downside. Little Bug is still unable to communicate with a majority of his peers and any caregiver that isn't me, DN, or MA. That's kinda limited. This struck me on Monday when we took him to the park. There was a little girl, J, there who at 1 had full sentences. She was telling him your turn! good job! Little Bug didn't seem to notice her company, but did seem to get that she didn't understand the sign for more- as in more slide so get out of my WAY!
In the months to come, I am hoping that we can build bridges between sign and speech. As for right now, I have offered his sign video to his relatives and we try to give them mini sign lessons. You know the essentials- MORE, EAT, DRINK, DOG, CAR.... those really important things in life :) I have also reached out to our FRC (or Family Resource Coordinator) to find additional support for times when all three parents need to do something together- IEP meetings, an occassional- read as 1 time a year- break.
For now, we will explain that Little Bug is different boy from other kids- like a friend of ours so adeptly put it to her son. We will explain what he is signing and teach other kids. I know, some people would say that it isn't worth the effort and why make an example from him. Let him be a kid. You can only change the world by opening yourself to it and letting others see what is inherently different and amazing about who you are. Little Bug will always know this and hopefully will continue to create awareness through honesty and respect. It may be just a question at the playground or just a snide comment in a store, but in that moment, you have the opportunity to teach someone.
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