When communication choices change

Language and communication needs and preferences can change over time. As deaf young people learn more about their natural strengths and style of learning, they may want to try a different method of communication. 

We were never discouraged from signing by the implant centre, but as Sybil’s spoken language came along, we signed at home less. Now we use some basic sign to help out in noisy situations, or when Sybil has her processors off. If, in the future, her needs or circumstances change, we’ll be happy to reintroduce her to BSL, and we’ve carried on with our BSL classes even though we don’t use it at home.

Holly is mum to Sybil (6) who's profoundly deaf and uses cochlear implants.

When to change your approach

We all need language to learn, socialise and get our needs met. There is no evidence that one communication approach is best for all deaf children and young people. Every deaf person is unique and will communicate in different ways. 

Many deaf people benefit from having access to more than one communication approach. They may use both spoken or signed language flexibly, according to their environment and who they’re communicating with. 

As a deaf young person gets older, they might start to show a preference for one communication approach over another. This is natural. Deaf young people should be encouraged to explore different ways of communicating. 

If a deaf young person is struggling socially and educationally, trying a different communication approach might help.

“When Nat was first diagnosed, we were told not to sign with him because he was going to talk and would be in mainstream school. But he wasn’t catching up with speech. When he was diagnosed with autism by Deaf Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), they said to use speech and British Sign Language (BSL) with him. It’s been a huge fight to get him access to BSL, but as a family, we decided to pursue it because he’s responsive to signs.”

Hetty is mum to Nat (10) who has moderate to severe hearing loss and autism.

Working with professionals 

Even if a professional – such as a speech and language therapist – works with one particular communication approach, it’s their responsibility to support a deaf young person to find the best approach for them. For example, an auditory-verbal therapist supporting a deaf child with speech should suggest learning sign language if they believe that’s the best option for the child.

They should help you consider a range of options. For example, if a professional supporting a deaf child to develop spoken language feels they are not making progress, they should be willing to discuss alternative methods of communication. A deaf child and their family shouldn’t feel any pressure to continue with a communication approach if it’s not supporting their preferences and needs. 

If you or your child are considering using a different communication approach, speak to the professionals who support you. Here are some questions to ask them about changing your communication approach.

• Will different professionals need to be involved?
• Can we spend time with other deaf young people using the same communication approach?
• What impact might this change have on our family?

Sometimes, a deaf young person has different opinions to their parents or family members. Talk through the possibilities together with the professionals who know you. It's natural for deaf young people to develop their own communication preferences as they get older. 

We lived in a small town. We were very isolated. I’d seen sign language on CBeebies but I didn’t know it was for deaf people! I didn’t know anything about the deaf community or deaf communication. I was very lonely as a kid; I thought being deaf was something wrong.

You deserve to know sign language and if no one’s going to let you do it, just keep pushing… politely though!

Anwyn (15) is severely deaf and wears hearing aids. 

Getting more support

Teachers of the Deaf can help you to understand the different communication options available. You could also ask to speak to a speech and language therapist who specialises in deafness. 

If a deaf young person wants to develop their sign language further, they might enjoy spending time with other deaf young people who sign. Try searching on Facebook and Instagram for deaf clubs and events.

I’m thankful that I know how to speak English orally, and I’m also thankful my mum taught me basic BSL. It’s okay to be deaf and not know how to sign. As long as you’re happy with how you communicate, that’s all that matters.

Danii (20) is profoundly deaf and wears a hearing aid.