Matthew has been in speech therapy for about 5 months now. He was saying several words at 12 months but then just stopped. His hearing is ok and he understands ok. Since we have gone through speech therapy before we kinda knew what to expect. Keegan started talking after 3months of S.T. Matthew however is still not talking. Keegan was already 2 when we started and Matthew just turned 2. We have a great therapist, Derrick. Matthew has a great time with him. We have been learning sign to encourage communication. He is signing more (although much better for dad than mom) and trying new sounds but still not talking per se. One suggestion was to have a "sign" of the week. So I searched the web for signs and pictures. This is what I came up with....
Apple
| The sign for "apple" is made by closing your hand and placing the knuckle of your right index finger against your cheek. At the same time, pivot the hand back and forth. Note: Many people use an "a" handshape instead of the "x" handshape. |  |
I plan to print this off then laminate it and have it on the fridge for the week to remind us all to ask for "apples" and practice signing the word. When the older boys sign Matthew is more apt to pick it up. He just has to do what his big brothers are doing.
I found the signs here: American Sign Language
I am impressed with what I see so far. The drawings are simple and also have pictures or movies of the sign being made. I am making several sheets for the sign of the week to practice on. I hope this will help getting things going more with Matthew. Sometimes I wonder if I am too good at reading and understanding what he wants, I don't wait for him to sign it or make him sign it. I am going to work on that. He is very expressive despite his reluctance to talk. Oh, and no his brother's don't talk for him. They are gone during the day. I'm not sure how S.T. will be after we move. I am going to have to research some things.
*sigh*
Just added another thing to my list didn't I!?! Dang boys anyway! Gotta love 'em.
My granddaughter learned sign language before she could talk and it was a wonderful tool to communicate what she needed. Her sign for me was the sign for love. I loved it!
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