| Speech problems can cause great frustration for | | | | Good ones include: more, drink, eat, help, stop, |
| children and parents. When children have difficulty | | | | open etc. Once he is doing the sign on his own or |
| saying words clearly they can't communicate | | | | once he has a clear word for it then cross it off |
| effectively. When the problem is severe it can | | | | the list and add another. Good sources for signs |
| cause social and emotional issues. The following | | | | are and or you can always make up your own |
| are some ideas that I give parents. I hope you will | | | | signs as only your family is going to use them. |
| find them useful. | | | | - Pictures. Teach your child to "trade" a picture or |
| - Show me. Try having your child "show you" | | | | symbol for what he wants. One good way to |
| what he is trying to say by physically taking you | | | | start is with labels from his favorite foods, a piece |
| to the item or place. To help him get the idea, | | | | of cardboard covered with contact paper and |
| practice having him "show you" even when you | | | | sticky putty. For example if he wants a juice box, |
| do understand what he wants. | | | | he would go to the cardboard, pull off the label |
| - Say part back. If you understand part of what | | | | and give it to you. Start with only one picture and |
| he is trying to tell you then say that part back to | | | | show him how to trade by tempting him with the |
| him. This will let him know that at least part of his | | | | item and physically helping him to take the picture |
| message was understood. | | | | off and give it to you. After he has the idea, add |
| - Don't pretend. Do not pretend to understand | | | | more pictures. When he uses a clear word |
| when you don't. Nodding, smiling and saying "yes" | | | | consistently, get rid of the picture. Try using |
| just makes the problem worse in the end. Let | | | | different boards for different topics: food, bath, |
| him know that you are sorry but you don't know | | | | people, places, toys, etc. Source for pictures are: |
| what he is trying to say. | | | | labels, catalogues, photos, line drawings and me. |
| - Signs. Teach your child to use simple gestures | | | | - Signs and pictures never delay talking they |
| and "signs". These will help him communicate and | | | | always help. Children naturally stop using them as |
| talk sooner. Try working on a few signs at a | | | | soon as they have a clear word. Signs and |
| time, keeping a list in a handy place like the | | | | pictures reduce frustration and give you the |
| refrigerator. Get the whole family to use them. | | | | chance to model the word you know he is trying |
| Teach him how to use the signs by helping him to | | | | to say. |
| move his hands. Start with signs that are very | | | | Hope these ideas help. |
| motivating - ones that will get him what he wants. | | | | |