SALT session recommended Makaton

[IndiaBound]

Hi all,

We took advantage of a local SALT drop-in session yesterday for our 16mo DD (2 months premature) who is globally delayed (but progressing which is reassuring) and doesn't really speak and seems to only understand a firm "no".

I can see resources and pictures of Makaton signs but don't know the context to use them in.

Say it is bath time, do I do the sign before I pick her up to take her to the bathroom, when we are getting her undressed for the bath or when she is actually in it?

Things like "hi" and "bye" seem much easier to 'time' but things like lunch, going out, etc. I am not sure about.

Also, for those that have successfully used Makaton, how did you learn it and how long before your child started picking it up (and I guess, what were the first words)?

Thanks as always!

[Cocolepew]

I would get eye contact and sign bath as well as saying it, then take her to it.
I dont use it at home but this is what we would do in work.

[alfieapple]

DS adopted by us at 2. Non verbal and very delayed in all area. Started using makaton immediately as been on courses already for work. Simple key words : yes, no, biscuit, more, dinner etc

Really helped. Always speak in full sentences : E.g. "Ds- time for dinner" but would sign key word "dinner".

Really helped bring speech on..Picked up signs, then words gradually came too. As speech developed signs dropped naturally. Don't be afraid that they'll sign only. As long as you speak and sign you won't delay speech, but will help enhance communication - which reduced frustration for both of us!

Now DS is 8 - talks non-stop and would never realise had no speech when little. Signs still useful at times especially when giving direct instructions.

[IndiaBound]

Thanks!

So, if it is time for dinner and we are in the lounge before I take her to her chair in the kitchen, do I get her attention and sign "dinner" then pick her up and take her to her chair?

When she is in the chair, is it time to sign "dinner" again and finally when it is ready and she is being served it once again?

Or should, as I offer her juice whilst I am preparing her dinner sign for "drink" when in her chair and then "eat" when feeding her? Then I presume "more" with every extra mouthful.

Is this correct - if not please do correct me (don't be shy!) as I want to give this a go.

Final question, which I know is not an exact science, how long do you do this for and how many different words do you do before the little one signs something back typically?

[adrianna22]

I'm not sure if I would use the sign dinner, as it may be confusing.

Why not use the sign "eat" then show her the plate of food and pretend that your eating from her plate. What may help if you do the munching sound while signing "eat".

Yes you will need to always get her attention when signing.

When offering juice, point to the cup or drink or show her, then sign "drink".
Also like you said offer little bit of juice, then try to sign "more" etc.

I tend to think learning signs, is kind of like speech development. So she would need to understand the signs to use them. Of course this is not always the case. Some kids start imitating the signs but not really understanding, which is great, some kids do understand the signs but take w hill to sign back.

It depends on the child. But keep going, your doing great!