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Adapting Signs for pre-verbal communication
By: Renata Bursten, Dragonfly Staff
Many hearing children use Sign instead of or before verbal communication. But what do you do if traditional Signs are physically difficult to master? Adapt them!
For example, the traditional Sign used to indicate "I need to go to the washroom" involves putting the thumb between the third and fourth fingers in a fist and waving the fist. If the child can't manage the hand position you could try using a plain closed fist waving instead.
Sign-based communication can help improve communication skills, lower frustration, improve manual dexterity, and teach children that hands can be used for meaningful activities.
You will find a good group of Sign resources in Dragonfly's book section.
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