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Transforming Communication for Children & Families Living With Autism

Signing Autistic Lives provides American Sign Language (ASL) instruction to facilitate communication and improve quality of life for autistic children and their families across the state of  Florida and Southeast Georgia. Although it's a relatively new intervention, sign language can be an empowering tool for creating genuine communication and providing a transition to spoken language for many autistic individuals. Signing can significantly reduce frustration and improve daily life for everyone in the child’s circle. Our program is tailored to your family’s needs and routines. If getting ready for school generally prompts a tantrum, for example, we’ll work to make that activity smoother and enable your child to communicate what he’s thinking and feeling. No equipment is required — signing can be utilized anytime, anywhere. Results can be almost immediate, and the level of signing used is intuitive and easy to learn (really!) for kids and parents alike. The process is also less expensive and time-consuming than many other interventions. We break down the basics of American sign Language in a unique approach that allows everyone to begin signing immediately and create communication within the family, teachers, therapists, and friends,  that they never thought possible. We will guide you through the maze of available resources, including books, DVDs and flash cards and help you understand the best resources available and how to use them. “Sign Language can be taught to autistic children with difficulties communicating verbally (Edelson, 2005; Mirenda, 2003)…..when used in paring, results in faster receptive and expressive vocabulary gain than with simply teaching vocal imitation (Mirenda, 2003). There is also evidence that children who learn Sign language are able to learn spoken language at a faster rate (Edelson, 2005); Mirenda, 2003). Pet scan study of children with autism, it was shown that the same area of the brain is activated during speech and during sign (Edelson, 2005) This provides evidence that the development of Sign Language mimics the development of speech, and may even strengthen the connections in the brain that are needed for verbal communication…. When children are able to express themselves, they are much more likely to seek out social interactions, and to be rewarded to doing so.” To learn more about what we can do for you, attend one of our workshops or seminars  or contact us to schedule an onsite workshop at a location of your choosing. You’ll be glad you did!