Signs for Success: How ASL and ABA Work Together for Early Communication

By pwsadmin | April 28, 2026

Picture this: A toddler reaches toward the counter, tears welling up in their eyes. They want something, but they can't find the words. The frustration builds. Now imagine that same child calmly bringing their fingertips together in a simple sign: "more": and receiving exactly what they needed. That's the power of combining ASL and ABA for early communication.

At Hands in Motion PNW, we see this transformation happen regularly with the families we serve across Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. When American Sign Language (ASL) meets Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), children gain a practical pathway to express themselves: often before spoken language fully develops.

Why Communication Matters So Much in Early Childhood

Communication isn't just about talking. It's about connection, expressing needs, and understanding the world. For children who are early learners, non-vocal, or still developing verbal skills, the gap between what they want to say and what they can say creates real challenges.

This gap often shows up as:

  • Tantrums or meltdowns
  • Withdrawal or disengagement
  • Difficulty following routines
  • Challenges building relationships with peers and caregivers

When children have a reliable way to communicate: even without spoken words: many of these challenges decrease significantly. That's where the combination of ASL and ABA becomes so valuable.

A toddler makes the ASL sign for 'more' at a therapy table, guided by a supportive ABA therapist in a welcoming setting.

What Is Total Communication?

You might hear therapists talk about a "total communication" approach. This simply means using multiple methods at once to help a child understand and express language. Instead of relying solely on speech, we pair words with visual supports like signs, gestures, or pictures.

When a therapist says "more" while simultaneously showing the sign for "more" and then providing reinforcement (like another bite of a favorite snack), the child experiences the concept through multiple senses. They hear it, see it, and feel the result of using it successfully.

This multi-sensory experience strengthens the connection between the sign, the word, and its meaning. For many children, this approach accelerates communication development rather than slowing it down.

How ABA Supports Sign Language Learning

ABA therapy uses structured, evidence-based strategies to teach new skills. When we apply these strategies to teaching sign language, children learn signs more quickly and use them more consistently.

Here's what that looks like in practice:

Modeling: The therapist demonstrates the sign clearly and consistently, often pairing it with the spoken word.

Prompting: If a child needs help forming a sign, the therapist might gently guide their hands or provide a visual reminder.

Reinforcement: When the child uses a sign: even an approximation: they receive positive reinforcement. This could be access to a preferred item, praise, or a fun activity.

Generalization: Once a child learns a sign in therapy, we practice using it in different settings and with different people so it becomes a reliable communication tool everywhere.

An early learning therapist gently helps a child form an ASL sign during ABA therapy in a bright classroom.

Signs That Make a Big Difference Early On

You don't need to teach a child hundreds of signs to see meaningful results. In fact, starting with a small set of highly functional signs often works best. These are signs that give children immediate power over their environment.

Some of the most impactful early signs include:

  • More – Requesting continuation of a preferred activity or item
  • All done – Signaling they're finished and ready to transition
  • Help – Asking for assistance instead of becoming frustrated
  • Stop – Setting a boundary or requesting a break
  • Eat and drink – Communicating basic needs
  • Play – Initiating social interaction

When children master these signs, they can navigate daily routines with less frustration and more independence. Parents often tell us that learning just a few signs transformed mealtimes, bedtime, and playtime at home.

Reducing Frustration Through Immediate Expression

One of the biggest benefits families notice is a reduction in challenging behaviors. When a child can't communicate, frustration builds quickly. Imagine knowing exactly what you want but having no way to tell anyone. It's exhausting.

Sign language provides an immediate outlet. A child who learns to sign "break" when feeling overwhelmed has a tool to advocate for themselves. A child who signs "help" when a puzzle piece won't fit can get assistance without melting down.

Research consistently shows that giving children functional communication tools: whether through signs, pictures, or other methods: decreases problem behaviors related to communication frustration. The child isn't "acting out" because they want to cause trouble. They're communicating the only way they know how. Give them a better way, and the behaviors often fade.

HANDS IN MOTION PNW Logo features a stylized mountain with an orange sun rising behind it, symbolizing hope and growth. Below the image, the text reads:

Does Sign Language Delay Speech?

This is one of the most common questions we hear from parents: and the answer is no. In fact, research suggests the opposite may be true.

Many children begin using spoken words more readily as they master signs. The signs serve as a bridge, giving children a way to communicate while their verbal skills catch up. Once speech becomes easier, many children naturally transition to using more words and fewer signs.

Think of sign language as training wheels. It provides stability and confidence while the child builds the skills they need. When they're ready, they move forward: often faster than they would have without that early support.

A Multimodal Approach for Every Child

At Hands in Motion PNW, we don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Some children thrive with sign language as their primary communication method. Others use signs alongside picture exchange systems (PECS) or communication devices. Many use a combination of everything.

The goal isn't to pick one method and stick with it forever. The goal is to give each child the tools they need right now to communicate effectively. As their skills develop, the approach evolves with them.

This flexibility is especially important for children who are Deaf or hard of hearing, where ASL may serve as both a communication tool and a connection to Deaf culture and community.

A parent and child joyfully use sign language together at home, promoting early communication and bonding.

Practicing at Home: Tips for Families

Therapy sessions are just one piece of the puzzle. Children learn best when they practice new skills throughout their day, in real-life situations, with the people who matter most to them.

Here are some simple ways to support sign language learning at home:

  1. Pick 3-5 signs to focus on. Don't overwhelm yourself or your child. Start small and build from there.

  2. Use signs during naturally occurring moments. Sign "eat" at mealtimes, "more" during play, "all done" when an activity ends.

  3. Celebrate all attempts. If your child's sign isn't perfect, that's okay! Respond to their effort and model the correct sign without correcting them directly.

  4. Be consistent. Use the same signs the same way each time. Consistency helps children learn faster.

  5. Make it fun. Sing songs with signs, read books and add signs for key words, or play games that incorporate signing.

Serving Families Across Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho

Hands in Motion PNW provides ABA therapy and inclusive early learning services to families throughout our region. We proudly serve communities in:

Washington: Spokane County, Whitman County, Adams County, Lincoln County, Stevens County, and Pend Oreille County

Idaho: Kootenai County, Bonner County, Benewah County, Latah County, Shoshone County, and Boundary County

Whether you're in downtown Spokane or a rural community, we're committed to bringing high-quality, family-centered services to you.

Taking the First Step

If you're curious whether combining ASL and ABA might benefit your child, we'd love to talk with you. Every child's journey looks different, and finding the right approach starts with understanding your child's unique strengths and needs.

Communication changes everything. When children have a way to express themselves, they engage more fully with the world around them: and the people who love them.

Visit handsinmotionpnw.com to learn more about our services or connect with our team.

Category: ABA + ASL

Tags: ASL, ABA therapy, early communication, sign language, functional communication, toddler communication, non-vocal children, Spokane ABA, Eastern Washington therapy, Northern Idaho therapy

Posted in ABA + ASL