need to learn ASL for my son and no one will help me.

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kayrosekay14

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Can anyone help me find or locate a tutor or teacher of ASL. My son is hearing but is non verbal and autistic. I have apps on my kindle were I have learned basic words and fingerspelling but I want more I want to know it all I want be able to teach him conversation but can't until I educate myself. I have done extensive online research with no luck. I don't know what to do. Please help and thank you in advance.
 
It would help if you told us where you live. At least the state, if not the town & state.
 
You should be able to get that with early intervention specialists which should be provided by your area education agency.

How old is your son?
 
Okay I will call them Monday and ask. We used early intervention for speech therapy. He is 4 years old.
 
You should have an IEP and be able to add ASL class or tutoring for you so you can teach and communicate with him.
 
kayrosekay14 said:
Okay I will call them Monday and ask. We used early intervention for speech therapy. He is 4 years old.
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It's really too bad that we don't have Makaton here in the States. Parents of kids with autism do have to be kinda careful...I see parents of autistic kids looking into ASL, thinking that it's akin to augmentive and alternative communication. It's a language and since most autistic people tend to have issues with language, they will struggle with ASL.... especially since they might be able to communicate with the signs, but not be able to communicate the grammar, which is portrayed through facial expressions (which most autistic people tend to have issues interpreting)
I know you mean well...and please don't take this as " We don't accept your son." The deaf community does accept hearing nonverbal people who use ASL as a first/expressive language...... but the thing is, you seem to be more looking for augmentive and alternative communication, and chances are you'd have MUCH more success with an AAC approach. I think a really good idea might be to contact United Cerebal Palsy and see if they have any info and resources on AAC.
 
Also has he had a complete work up? I would see if he can have a genetic work up, just in case he might have something that could be TREATABLE and thus improve his autism! With autism, the higher functioning you can get a kid the better!
 
I take no offense I am trying to get as much info and help that I can for him. My son is more non verbal then anything else and responds well to signs. His developmental pediatrician was the one who told us to go further into signing for him because we already have basic baby signs down pat. As far as genetics testing we were told to set up an appointment for him on Friday so I planned on calling tomorrow to set something up that's if our insurance covers the testing.
 
kayrosekay14 said:
I take no offense I am trying to get as much info and help that I can for him. My son is more non verbal then anything else and responds well to signs. His developmental pediatrician was the one who told us to go further into signing for him because we already have basic baby signs down pat. As far as genetics testing we were told to set up an appointment for him on Friday so I planned on calling tomorrow to set something up that's if our insurance covers the testing.
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Oh good!!!! Yeah, you want more special needs AAC style signing.... Organizations that would have more special needs signing would probaly be United Cerebal Palsy, the ARC, Easter Seals etc... Hopefully the genetics will pick something up and it may be treatable.......
 
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