Can Signing Improve the Quality of Autistic Speech

Abstract During a six‐month program, the effect of signing on speech articulation in an autistic boy was investigated using a three stage probe technique. A list of target words, vocalized with and without accompanying signs, was tape recorded at three points: 1) prior to learning signs 2) following the acquisition of signs alone and 3) following the acquisition of simultaneous signing and sounding. Intelligibility of articulation was subsequently rated blind by a speech pathologist. Articulation improved clinically and statistically both across probes and within probes, where better articulation occurred when sounds were accompanied by signs.