Speech & Communication

Does Sign Language Help or Delay Speech?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

Content reviewed against published ASHA, AAP, NIH guidelines

Editorial policy

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Speech and communication milestones vary widely, and worries about does sign language help or delay speech, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

Research consistently shows that sign language does NOT delay speech development. In fact, it can support and enhance spoken language. Signing gives children a way to communicate before they can speak, reducing frustration and building the foundational skills needed for verbal language, including turn-taking, vocabulary, and the understanding that communication has power. Many speech-language pathologists use signs as a bridge to spoken language in therapy. Children naturally drop signs as they acquire the spoken words.

Key takeaways

  • Research consistently shows that sign language does NOT delay speech development. In fact, it can support and enhance spoken language. Signing gives children a way to communicate before they can speak, reducing frustration and building the foundational skills needed for verbal language, including turn-taking, vocabulary, and the understanding that communication has power. Many speech-language pathologists use signs as a bridge to spoken language in therapy. Children naturally drop signs as they acquire the spoken words.
  • Usually normal when: Your child uses signs and is also developing spoken words
  • Call your doctor if: Your child is not communicating through signs OR speech
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below

Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.

What Parents Should Know

According to ASHA, AAP, NIH guidelines, research consistently shows that sign language does NOT delay speech development. In fact, it can support and enhance spoken language. Signing gives children a way to communicate before they can speak, reducing frustration and building the foundational skills needed for verbal language, including turn-taking, vocabulary, and the understanding that communication has power. Many speech-language pathologists use signs as a bridge to spoken language in therapy. Children naturally drop signs as they acquire the spoken words. At 6-12 months, babies can learn simple signs like "more," "all done," and "milk" well before they can speak. Using signs alongside spoken words builds vocabulary understanding and gives babies a way to express needs. Always say the word while signing it. It is generally considered normal when your child uses signs and is also developing spoken words. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child is not communicating through signs OR speech.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Your child uses signs and is also developing spoken words
Your child is not communicating through signs OR speech
Your child is transitioning from signs to speech naturally
Your child has stopped attempting to communicate altogether
Your child signs with you and babbles or uses words too
Your child is losing both signed and spoken communication skills
Your child dropped signs as spoken words emerged
Your child relies heavily on signs and is not adding spoken words

By Age

What to expect by age

6-12 months

Babies can learn simple signs like "more," "all done," and "milk" well before they can speak. Using signs alongside spoken words builds vocabulary understanding and gives babies a way to express needs. Always say the word while signing it.

12-18 months

Signs can bridge the gap between understanding and speaking. A child who can sign "help" or "want" is less frustrated than one who cannot communicate at all. Research shows that signing babies often speak earlier, not later.

18-24 months

As spoken words emerge, children naturally transition from signs to speech. You may see them sign and say a word simultaneously for a while. Continue to model both the sign and the spoken word. Do not withhold speech modeling.

2-3 years

For children with speech delays, signs remain a valuable communication tool. SLPs often use signs as part of a total communication approach. Signs support word retrieval and reduce frustration while spoken language develops.

3-5 years

Most children have transitioned fully to spoken language by this age. Children with more significant delays may continue to benefit from signs as a supplement. The goal is effective communication, whatever form it takes.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed does sign language help or delay speech and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your child relies heavily on signs and is not adding spoken words.
  • Mention if your child is over 2 and only communicates through signs with minimal speech attempts.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Your child uses signs and is also developing spoken words
  • Your child is transitioning from signs to speech naturally
  • Your child signs with you and babbles or uses words too
  • Your child dropped signs as spoken words emerged
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Your child relies heavily on signs and is not adding spoken words
  • Your child is over 2 and only communicates through signs with minimal speech attempts
  • You want guidance on how to use signs effectively to support speech development
Act now when...
  • Your child is not communicating through signs OR speech
  • Your child has stopped attempting to communicate altogether
  • Your child is losing both signed and spoken communication skills

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice does sign language help or delay speech — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that your child uses signs and is also developing spoken words — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 6-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Talk, read, and sing to your baby frequently. Narrate daily activities to build language exposure.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child is not communicating through signs OR speech.

Does My Child Need an AAC Device?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes any tool that supplements or replaces spoken language, from simple picture boards to high-tech speech-generating devices. AAC does NOT prevent or delay speech development. Research consistently shows that AAC actually supports spoken language development. If your child is struggling to communicate verbally, AAC gives them a voice right now while continuing to build spoken language skills. Every child deserves a way to communicate, and AAC can be that bridge.

Toddler Understands Everything but Won't Talk

An expressive-only language delay, where a child understands language well but produces few or no words, is the most common type of language delay. These children often have strong comprehension, use gestures effectively, and are socially engaged. Many catch up on their own, but a speech evaluation is recommended to determine whether your child would benefit from support.

Speech Therapy Activities to Do at Home

The most powerful speech therapy happens during your everyday routines. You do not need special materials or training. Talk about what you are doing during diaper changes, meals, and play. Follow your child's interests and narrate their actions. Wait expectantly after asking a question to give your child time to respond. Read together daily and pause to let your child fill in words. Reduce screen time and increase face-to-face interaction. These simple strategies can significantly boost your child's communication development.

Milestone

Milestone Checklists by Age

Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is does sign language help or delay speech normal?
Research consistently shows that sign language does NOT delay speech development. In fact, it can support and enhance spoken language. Signing gives children a way to communicate before they can speak, reducing frustration and building the foundational skills needed for verbal language, including turn-taking, vocabulary, and the understanding that communication has power. Many speech-language pathologists use signs as a bridge to spoken language in therapy. Children naturally drop signs as they acquire the spoken words.
When should I call the doctor about does sign language help or delay speech?
Your child is not communicating through signs OR speech Your child has stopped attempting to communicate altogether Your child is losing both signed and spoken communication skills
When is does sign language help or delay speech normal?
Your child uses signs and is also developing spoken words Your child is transitioning from signs to speech naturally Your child signs with you and babbles or uses words too
What causes does sign language help or delay speech?
Research consistently shows that sign language does NOT delay speech development. In fact, it can support and enhance spoken language. Signing gives children a way to communicate before they can speak, reducing frustration and building the foundational skills needed for verbal language, including turn-taking, vocabulary, and the understanding that communication has power. Many speech-language pathologists use signs as a bridge to spoken language in therapy. Children naturally drop signs as they acquire the spoken words. Common explanations include: Your child uses signs and is also developing spoken words. Your child is transitioning from signs to speech naturally.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about does sign language help or delay speech?
You should mention does sign language help or delay speech at your next visit if: Your child relies heavily on signs and is not adding spoken words. Your child is over 2 and only communicates through signs with minimal speech attempts. You want guidance on how to use signs effectively to support speech development.
Is does sign language help or delay speech normal at 6-12 months?
Babies can learn simple signs like "more," "all done," and "milk" well before they can speak. Using signs alongside spoken words builds vocabulary understanding and gives babies a way to express needs. Always say the word while signing it.
Is does sign language help or delay speech normal at 12-18 months?
Signs can bridge the gap between understanding and speaking. A child who can sign "help" or "want" is less frustrated than one who cannot communicate at all. Research shows that signing babies often speak earlier, not later.
Should I go to the ER for does sign language help or delay speech?
Seek emergency care if your child is not communicating through signs OR speech, or if your child has stopped attempting to communicate altogether. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does does sign language help or delay speech go away on its own?
In many cases, does sign language help or delay speech resolves on its own, especially when your child uses signs and is also developing spoken words. By 3-5 years, most children have transitioned fully to spoken language by this age. Children with more significant delays may continue to benefit from signs as a supplement. The goal is effective communication, whatever form it takes.
ASHAAAPNIH

References

  1. [1]American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Baby Signs and Language Development. ASHA
  2. [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Baby Sign Language. AAP
  3. [3]National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Speech and Language Milestones. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Does Sign Language Help or Delay Speech?.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed does sign language help or delay speech and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your child relies heavily on signs and is not adding spoken words.
  • Mention if your child is over 2 and only communicates through signs with minimal speech attempts.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Your child relies heavily on signs and is not adding spoken words
  • Your child is over 2 and only communicates through signs with minimal speech attempts
  • You want guidance on how to use signs effectively to support speech development

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your child is not communicating through signs OR speech
  • Your child has stopped attempting to communicate altogether
  • Your child is losing both signed and spoken communication skills

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

Milestone ChecklistsEarly Intervention DirectoryDevelopmental ActivitiesBaby Sign Language GuideEmergency ContactsBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of does sign language help or delay speech are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child is not communicating through signs or speech.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Related Speech Concerns

Does My Child Need an AAC Device?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes any tool that supplements or replaces spoken language, from simple picture boards to high-tech speech-generating devices. AAC does NOT prevent or delay speech development. Research consistently shows that AAC actually supports spoken language development. If your child is struggling to communicate verbally, AAC gives them a voice right now while continuing to build spoken language skills. Every child deserves a way to communicate, and AAC can be that bridge.

Toddler Understands Everything but Won't Talk

An expressive-only language delay, where a child understands language well but produces few or no words, is the most common type of language delay. These children often have strong comprehension, use gestures effectively, and are socially engaged. Many catch up on their own, but a speech evaluation is recommended to determine whether your child would benefit from support.

Speech Therapy Activities to Do at Home

The most powerful speech therapy happens during your everyday routines. You do not need special materials or training. Talk about what you are doing during diaper changes, meals, and play. Follow your child's interests and narrate their actions. Wait expectantly after asking a question to give your child time to respond. Read together daily and pause to let your child fill in words. Reduce screen time and increase face-to-face interaction. These simple strategies can significantly boost your child's communication development.

Accent vs Speech Disorder in Bilingual Toddlers

When toddlers grow up hearing more than one language, they naturally blend sounds, patterns, and accents from both languages. This is normal and healthy, not a speech disorder. A bilingual child may pronounce some sounds differently than monolingual peers because they are learning the sound systems of two languages simultaneously. True speech disorders affect both languages equally, while accent influence appears only in specific sounds borrowed from one language to another.

Ear Fluid Affecting Baby's Speech Development

Chronic or recurrent middle ear fluid (otitis media with effusion) can temporarily reduce hearing by 15 to 40 decibels, which is like hearing through water. During critical periods of language learning, this muffled hearing can impact speech and language development. If your baby has frequent ear infections or persistent fluid, discuss the potential speech impact with your pediatrician.

Will Ear Tubes Help My Child's Speech?

Ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes) can restore normal hearing by draining persistent fluid from the middle ear. Many children show speech and language improvement within weeks to months after tube placement, particularly if hearing loss from fluid was contributing to their speech delay. However, ear tubes alone may not resolve all speech delays, and some children benefit from speech therapy alongside tube placement.