Q. My son is almost a year old and hasn’t really started talking yet. I know that is normal for boys, but I am concerned that he doesn’t have any way to tell me what he wants. He just points and makes noises. A friend suggested that I teach him basic sign language. Will that help?
A. First of all, you are right that a one year-old boy may not yet be talking and that is normal. And after all, why should he make the effort when you respond to his non-verbal cues? When he points and makes noises, ask him what he wants and act as if you really don’t understand. “ Do you want this toy or that toy?” Point to each one and then repeat “This or that?” He will start to use words when you are not interpreting for him. As far as teaching him sign language, remember that it is a language and children who are bilingual start to speak later than kids who learn one language. It is fantastic for a child to learn sign language, but only if you mean to keep it up as his second language. Otherwise, all you have done is delay when he starts to speak. The frustration that a child exhibits because he can’t make himself understood is part of what encourages children to speak.