Does your child communicate with their hands, their eyes or their whole body? If so, they are already communicating! Every way your child shares meaning matters. For many Australian families, KeyWord Sign can become another way to connect and be understood. However, it is also natural to have questions along the way. Will signing affect speech? How does sign language in speech therapy actually work? This guide will gently walk you through the basics, so you can feel informed and confident about your next steps.
What Is Keyword Sign?
KeyWord Sign (KWS) is a communication approach that adds hand signs to spoken words ¹. With KWS, you speak in full sentences and sign only the key words; that is, the most important words ³. For example, you might say “Time to go to the park” and sign “go” and “park”. Alongside the signs, you also use natural gestures, facial expressions and body language.
Here in Australia, KWS borrows its signs from Auslan, the native language of the Australian Deaf community ¹. It was previously known as Makaton Australia ². Today, the national organisation is part of Scope, and it offers training and resources across the country ³.
KWS can support children and adults of all ages ³. For instance, it may suit:
- toddlers whose understanding is ahead of their spoken words
- autistic children and teens
- people with developmental or intellectual disability
- children with hearing differences
- adults whose communication has changed after an illness or injury
Keyword Sign, Auslan and Sign Language: What Is the Difference?
Auslan is a complete sign language, used by a whole community. It has its own grammar and word order, which differ from spoken English ². It also carries a rich culture and history. Therefore, Auslan deserves the same respect as any spoken language.
KWS, on the other hand, is not a language. Rather, it is a support that sits alongside spoken English and follows English word order ². Both use the same signs, so skills from one can carry over to the other. Even so, they serve different purposes. Your family might use one, the other, or both at different times. There is no single right path.
Will Key Word Sign Delay My Child’s Speech?
This is one of the most common worries parents share. Fortunately, the research is reassuring. There is no evidence that teaching a child to sign stops them from learning spoken language ². In fact, one research review looked at studies of alternative communication, including signing. None of the studies showed a drop in speech; rather, many showed gains ⁴. Similarly, researchers have described the idea that these tools block speech as a myth ⁵.
Instead, signs can ease frustration. When your child has a reliable way to share a need, the pressure lifts for everyone. You are also saying every word out loud as you sign. So, your child hears language and sees it at the same time.
In addition, there is no need to wait until a certain age or stage before introducing signs ⁵. Your child does not have to “earn” access to communication first.
Of course, speech is not the only goal. Some people will always prefer to sign, and that is completely valid. Their communication is whole just as it is.
