Sign language intervention in a deaf child with specific language impairment

Hearing loss is frequently an exclusionary criteria for specific language impairment (SLI). Researchers have observed unexplained language disorders in children who have received accessible visual language from birth, however. There are limited language intervention studies that have measured the efficacy of language therapy when the child uses a natural signed language. This case study examined the outcomes of language intervention provided weekly using focused stimulation. Gains were made in frequency and variety of verbs used. While there were no changes observed in sentence use during probes, changes were noted during intervention activities that were more interactive. Caregiver report also indicated positive outcomes in overall language use at home and in the community. The intervention was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, so results from the 7 week in person sessions are promising.