I met with a friend, Christian, the other day at his house for Easter. There I met his wife, brother, brother's wife, and his two adorable little girls Brooklyn (3 y/o) and Remy (13 mos.). They were like most all little girls, talkative, excited by new company and wanting to engage me in every aspect. Both know American Sign Language, bits and pieces, and they are fully hearing.
Amy, their mother, started teaching Brooklyn ASL when she was 6 months old and benefited quickly after. She used signing aids such as Baby Einstein Movies and books to teach Brooklyn the basics such as 'eat', 'more', 'no more', 'hat' and 'milk'. Brooklyn could successfully communicate basic ideas and thoughts to her parents at 11 months old before she could do so verbally. This isn't because speaking is harder than sign language, but because the vocal chords are not fully developed yet; another reason why sign language is beneficial as a platform for communication.
When Remy was born, ASL was immediately implemented.At 13 months old, Remy can tell her parents she is hungry, whether she wants more soup and baby (this is perhaps the most popular sign I have seen so far). Remy is now beginning to speak. What I found most exciting and interesting is that her parents talk 'up' to her. That is, instead of mimicking her baby talk and gurgling, they talk to her as though she is an adult. There are many theories for and against this. This is a common practice among Deaf parents and their children. Baby sig...