Baby sign language and speech-generating device (SGD) practice work well together when adults model the same useful words during play, meals, and family routines. An SGD is a communication device or app that produces spoken words when a child selects symbols, pictures, or buttons. Offer the sign, spoken word, and device word together when practical. Follow the child's communication method, accept any clear attempt, and keep practice part of ordinary interaction rather than a separate lesson.
Table of Contents
- Start With One Shared Word
- Practice During Play
- Use Meals for Choice and Control
- Build Practice Into Family Routines
- Keep the System Flexible and Supported
Start With One Shared Word
Choose a small set of words that match the child's daily needs and interests. Useful starters may include "more," "all done," "help," "open," "go," "stop," "eat," "drink," "play," and "my turn." Pair each word with the same spoken model, sign, and SGD location. For example, say "more," make the sign, and select "more" on the device before giving another block, bite, or turn.
Do not require the child to use all three forms. A reach, look, vocal sound, sign, button press, or device selection can show communication. Respond to the intended message and model the word again naturally.
Practice During Play
Play creates repeated chances to request, reject, comment, and take turns. Use motivating toys such as bubbles, cars, blocks, puzzles, or a favorite book, then pause briefly so the child has time to communicate.
Model words that fit the action: Keep the device nearby and visible, but avoid turning play into a test. If the child reaches for bubbles, you can say and sign "more," then select "more" on the SGD while continuing the activity.
- "Go" before pushing a car or starting bubbles
- "More" before another turn
- "Help" when opening a container
- "Open" before unfastening a box
- "Stop" when an activity ends
Use Meals for Choice and Control
Meals provide practical reasons to communicate. Present two visible choices, such as banana and cracker, and model the matching sign, spoken word, and device button as you name each option. Give the child meaningful ways to direct the meal.
Model "more," "all done," "drink," "different," "hot," or "help" when those messages fit. Honor "all done" when possible, while following safe feeding guidance from the child's care team. Avoid asking the child to repeat a word before receiving food or drink. Communication practice should not make access to essential needs dependent on device use, signing, speech, or a particular response.
Build Practice Into Family Routines
Predictable routines help adults remember to model communication throughout the day. Use the same small vocabulary during dressing, bath time, leaving home, bedtime, and household activities.
Family members can share a simple plan: Model language even when the child does not copy you. During bedtime, for example, an adult might say and sign "book," select "book," then offer two stories. The child can answer through speech, signing, the device, pointing, or another reliable method.
- Use the child's preferred name for each device word or sign
- Keep the SGD charged and within reach
- Place familiar signs alongside spoken words
- Pause for a response without demanding one
- Respond consistently to clear communication attempts
Keep the System Flexible and Supported
Signs and an SGD can complement speech, gestures, pictures, and body language. The best combination depends on the child's motor skills, vision, hearing, language development, access to the device, and communication preferences. Ask a speech-language pathologist or the child's assistive technology team for help if the vocabulary does not fit, the device is difficult to access, or communication becomes frustrating.
A professional can help adjust symbols, positioning, access methods, and goals. Watch for practical barriers rather than judging the child's effort. A dead battery, crowded symbol layout, poor device placement, or an unfamiliar communication partner can prevent a child from showing what they know.