An Introduction to Baby Sign Language

Educator

Parent

SLP

Early Intervention

Language Disorders

Family Engagement

Child Development

This specialized course tailored for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) will delve into the concept of baby sign language (BbSL). BbSL involves simplified gestures or signs used as an alternative augmentative communication method with pre-verbal infants. Attendees will explore the scientific basis behind how BbSL influences language development in both neurotypical and neuroatypical infants, enabling clinicians to offer tailored recommendations to parents, caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals regarding its impact on language growth. Additionally, we will examine the evolving relationship between BbSL and early intervention, as well as its role as an alternative augmentative communication strategy.

Presenters

M. Summer Seymour
M.S. CCC-SLP
Summer is a pediatric speech-language pathologist, licensed in Virginia and Hawaii. As of 2024, she resides in the Hawaiian Islands. She is a neurodiversity-affirming and strength-based clinician who believes in learning language through play. She values functionality, independence, and autonomy for children and specializes in AAC and early language development.

Learning Objectives

Identify the principles of Baby Sign Language.
Evaluate the impact of Baby Sign Language on language development in preverbal infants.
Analyze the potential benefits and drawbacks of incorporating Baby Sign Language into early communication interventions.
Explain ways to collaborate with caregivers and families to implement Baby Sign Language effectively.
Discuss the role of Baby Sign Language in early intervention and alternative augmentative communication.

Agenda

3 minutes	Beginning Remarks
10 minutes	Introduction to Baby Sign Language (what it is and what it is not)
7 minutes	Potential Benefits of Using Baby Sign Language
10 minutes	Potential Drawbacks of Using Baby Sign Language
10 minutes	Baby Sign Language in Early Intervention
10 minutes	Baby Sign Language as AAC
10 minutes	Collaborating on Baby Sign Language with Families

Disclosures

Financial Disclosures:	Summer Seymour is receiving compensation for this course.
Non-fiancial Disclosures:	Summer Seymour has no non-financial relationships to disclose.
Content Disclosures:	Summer Seymour has no additional content information to disclose.
In Kind Donations:	This course is being sponsored by SLP Toolkit.

ASHA

This course is offered for .1 ASHA CEUs, Introductory Level, Professional Area