New and needing advise w/ T21 son

[dennis2kang]

Hi,
I am Miriam and this is my first time here. I have a 2 year old son with Down Syndrome (T21). He just started watching the videos yesturday so I shouldn't be expecting much. Before this he could sign more, please and me but would only when prompted to and honestly I really don't know if completely understands them. When he watches the video he just looks staight a head and doesn't move (and he is usually a very active child). I guess what I am trying to say is how do I get him to learn from the video. He can hear fine I believe but only says "hi".

Thanks so much,

Miriam

Nicholas (3/26/04)

[Kei_as_in_K]

Welcome to the group Miriam. I'm so glad you discovered Signing Time! My youngest son, William, has been using Signing Time since he was 2 (he is now 5½).
If your son is usually active but is just looking at the tv with his new Signing Time, I think he is just taking it all in. William will sometimes study things for a while before he mimics them. Often times he surprises me when he does things that I didn't think he was paying attention to when I was doing them!
I found that the best way for William to learn from watching Signing Time was for me to watch with him and for me to sign along with the videos.

And as with any child, they learn at their own pace and just when you least expect it, they surprise us by showing that they know more than they're letting on.

[alices_dad]

What you're describing is exactly how my daughter watched Signing Time. If I try to engage her, it's really a "Can't talk--Signing Time" situation. Give it some time and I bet you're going to be in the same category as us - trying to figure out how she got ahead of us. ;)

[Jewels]

Hi, I too am new to the forum with a son, Kaden, with T21. However, I am not new to the discoveries of how great this media is for Kaden. Kaden and I have been watching the videos since he was three weeks old. He still watches with great intensity to this day. Kaden is now 2 1/2. He is just now putting all the things together to sign but does more on command than by his own directive. He does have about 1/2 a dozen he does when he wants something. I know you feel you want your child to do more, but believe me, inside there is alot going on. Is your child receiving early intervention training, ie - OT, PT, ST?
Don't worry, things will come in time. Use this as a special time for you and your child and ENJOY!!!