How HANDy are baby signs? A commentary on a systematic review of the impact of gestural communication on typically developing, hearing infants under the age of 36 months

Abstract

The ethos behind provision of early intervention programmes to infants and young children with additional support needs has been established for some time (e.g. Right-from-the-Start), but targeting the development of typically developing infants has been a relatively recent phenomenon. Baby sign is one of the many intervention techniques available, alongside programmes focused on movement, music, massage, multisensory experience, as well as reading specifically to infants and toddlers. Some of these alternatives, like baby sign, make claims regarding cognitive and socio-emotional advancements. However, much of this can be based on anecdote and opinion. This has happened in the case of baby sign.