Smiling little african american girl with hearing loss practicing body language with professional female therapist at home

American Sign Language (ASL) Program at Beyond the Spectrum (BTS)

At Beyond the Spectrum (BTS), we are proud to offer a specialized American Sign Language (ASL) Program to support children who may benefit from alternative forms of communication. ASL is a rich, visual language that plays a crucial role in helping children with speech or language delays communicate effectively, enhancing their ability to express thoughts, needs, and emotions.

Our ASL program is designed to teach children how to use ASL in a way that fits their individual needs, whether they are non-verbal, have speech delays, or simply want to learn an alternative form of communication. We focus on building foundational skills in ASL, including basic signs, sentence structure, and expressive and receptive language development. Children will also learn essential conversational skills, such as how to use ASL in a social context, ask and answer questions, and engage in simple dialogues.

Our approach to ASL instruction is interactive and hands-on, providing a supportive and engaging environment where children can practice using ASL in everyday scenarios. Our instructors use visual and kinesthetic techniques, reinforcing learning through repetition, play, and social interaction. The goal is to empower children with the ability to communicate confidently with family members, peers, and the wider community, regardless of verbal speech ability.

young male teacher teaching sign language to elementary girl

Program Highlights:

  • Individualized Learning: We tailor our ASL instruction to each child’s developmental level, ensuring a personalized approach that meets their unique needs.
  • Engagement and Practice: Children will actively engage in activities and games that encourage the practical use of ASL, reinforcing vocabulary and sentence structures.
  • Social and Emotional Communication: ASL helps children better express themselves, which can reduce frustration and improve social interactions, building confidence and self-esteem.
  • Family Involvement: Families are encouraged to learn alongside their children, fostering better communication at home and enhancing the child’s overall experience.
Grown up daughter talk with elderly mother using sign language

Whether your child is learning ASL as their primary form of communication or as an additional skill, our program will help them gain a valuable tool for interaction and connection. At Beyond the Spectrum (BTS), we are dedicated to supporting each child’s communication journey, ensuring they can express themselves and connect with others effectively.

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