Language access is more important than speech
Everyone deserves to be part of the conversation
Access to language is frequently denied to Deaf and Autistic children. Well-intentioned parents want to prioritize speech therapy. Logical-minded doctors & therapists say that using sign language and other forms of non-verbal communication will hinder a child’s speech even further. The problem with both of these well-meant approaches is that it is prioritizing verbal speech over language acquisition.
There are countless examples of how babies are capable of using and understanding sign language before their bodies develop the capacity to speak. Yet, when it’s a Deaf or Autistic child, we think that sign language could somehow be bad? It makes no sense! Having a foundation of language is important for so much more than just communication. It contributes to our ability to learn, to understand the world around us, as well as process the emotions and thoughts from our inner world. Behavioral problems often stem from an inability to identify, communicate, or meet their needs.
So, EVEN IF your child’s speech were to be delayed by learning sign language, speech should not be your first priority. Speech can be built upon a foundation of non-verbal language. It is much, much harder to build that foundation later in life. By denying Deaf and Autistic children access to non-verbal languages, we are handicapping them so much more than their actual disability.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC, is a collective term for all the ways someone might communicate without speech. Augmentative means to add to someone’s speech, while Alternative means to use instead of speech. What does this look like?
American Sign Language
Signed Exact English
Modified or Home Signs
Gesturing
Spelling on a Letter Board
Pointing to pictures or written words
Using an AAC app on a tablet
Using a speech generating device
Some with significant communication difficulties may communicate in their own way, understood by those closest to them. I call these secret or personal languages. From the outside, it may not seem like the person is communicating at all, but when you are part of that person’s intimate circle, you will know exactly what they are trying to say.
ASL Tutors
Katharine Walker
Katharine received her Masters Degree in Sign Language Education from Gallaudet University. She is 4th generation Deaf and an expressive signer. Connect with her via LessonPal for online lessons and tutoring at any level.
Staci Nichols
Craig and Moffat County residents are lucky to have Staci as a local resource for learning ASL. She is available through NWCCI in the Craig office. If you need to learn ASL due to a disability, you may qualify for tutoring through NWCCI.
Free ASL Resources
Not everyone can afford a tutor.
Support Groups
Yampa Valley locals: Watch the Pilot Happenings for an AAC support group, developing in 2026.