Easter Seals Disability Services

Lindsay O'Neil

Lindsay O’Neill, diagnosed with autism at age three, struggled to communicate her wants and needs; this is one of the most challenging aspects of autism for parents, caregivers and teachers.

Through the Sign Language for Autism program offered by Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley, Lindsay and her family have been working to increase communication with the use of sign language.

Prior to entering the program, Lindsay communicated primarily in a “physical” manner.  She would take things to her parents to indicate her wants and needs or lead her parents to what interested her. She was able to say a few practical words but she was often frustrated when she was misunderstood. 

 “The goal of our program is to help children with autism communicate by using signs to create a bridge to spoken language,” said Melissa Engle, Sign Language for Autism program coordinator. “By pairing signs with spoken words, children with autism begin to understand that signs have meaning.”

Determining Lindsay’s favorite things and interests was the first step. Then Lindsay was taught five signs each week. The signs were paired with her favorite things to have more reinforcement.

“Lindsay took to sign language very fast,” Melissa said. “In fact, we had her parents and her tutors signing many more signs to Lindsay as they spoke. Lindsay became focused on hands and quickly understood that sign language has meaning.”

Over the past several months, Lindsay has learned to get her wants and needs met utilizing sign language. When her parents and tutors use sign language, Lindsay voices the signs. She has increased her words and her verbal approximations have improved.  She is using more words instead of a strictly physical means to interact.

“Lindsay is a delightful five-year-old girl with jubilant energy,” Melissa said. “She is bright, creative and a joy to be around.”