Seeing Language: How Parents and Children Build Connection

Understanding the Dynamics of Visual Attention in ASL Learning

American Sign Language (ASL) is all about seeing and using signs to communicate. For deaf or hard-of-hearing children, learning ASL depends on knowing when to look at the person signing. But how do children learn this skill?

In a recent study published in the Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society (2024), researchers Paris Gappmayr and Amy M. Lieberman explored how deaf and hard-of-hearing children figure out when to look at their parents to see them signing. Parents help by timing their signs to match when their child is looking at them. This back-and-forth, called "scaffolding attention," changes as children grow and gain more ASL experience.

Insights from a Recent Study

A recent study looked at playtime between deaf children (ages 9 to 60 months) and their parents. Some parents were deaf and fluent in ASL, while others were hearing and still learning ASL. The study focused on whether children were looking at their parents when the signing started, during the signing, or afterward.

Results showed that older children with more ASL practice were better at looking at their parents while they signed. Parents of younger children often waited for their child to look at them before signing. But parents of older children signed even if their child wasn’t looking yet, knowing their child would likely look soon.

What This Means for Families

For parents raising deaf or hard-of-hearing children, this research highlights how important it is to create moments of shared attention. Parents using ASL can watch where their child is looking and adjust their signing to match. This helps children connect the signs they see with their meanings.

Whether parents are deaf or hearing, building skills in ASL can create a rich environment for communication and learning. Early exposure and consistent interaction are key factors in a child's linguistic and cognitive development.

Key Takeaways for Parents and Educators

• Start Early: Expose children to sign language as soon as possible. Early access to ASL provides a strong foundation for language development.

• Follow Their Gaze: Pay attention to where the child is looking and ensure that signing aligns with their visual attention.

• Be Responsive: Adjust signing speed and timing based on the child’s attentional shifts to ensure they can perceive the entire sign.

• Learn Together: For hearing parents, learning ASL alongside your child strengthens both your communication and their language acquisition.

Understanding and embracing these practices can transform the way families and educators support the language journey of deaf or hard-of-hearing children. Let’s empower every child to thrive through language and connection.