Does sign language cause speech delays?

We asked the expert whether teaching your baby sign language means she will develop speech patterns more slowly as a toddler.

By Carolyn Davidson, Speech-Language Pathologist, Richmond Hill, Ont. |

Photo: snapphoto/iStockphoto

Q: I’ve heard that teaching your baby sign language can cause a speech delay when they become toddlers. Is that true?

A: Using baby sign language will not cause a speech or language delay in your child. In many cases, sign language can promote overall language development and decrease frustration, as it will give your child a way to communicate before she’s able to use words instead of signs.

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