Use of Sign Alone and Sign plus Speech in Language Training of Nonverbal Autistic Children

Abstract

While more and more literature supports the use of signing as a valid communication alternative for nonverbal autistic children, few clear state ments exist that speak to the efficacy of training in one mode over another. This article presents a summary of the language characteristics of autis tic children and relates them to existing research supporting both sign alone and sign plus speech as viable training modes. Although no definitive con clusions can be drawn from the literature regard ing the choice of teaching language in one mode over another for all autistic children, clinical im plications are given regarding existing data and its application to autistic children. Procedures for determining the optimal sign teaching mode for a given child are also discussed, and a call for addi tional research is made.

Searching for evidence in augmentative and alternative communication: Navigating a scattered literature

“…This worked quite well as we found 11 entries. Upon examination and the removal of duplicates, several references appeared worthwhile to examine for relevant sections on natural speech production (Creekmore, 1982;Hedbring, 1985;Koul, Schlosser, & Sanscribian, 2001;Mirenda & Schuler, 1988;Sigafoos & Drasgow, 2001).…”