Bridging Language Gaps for Deaf Children

"Brain systems are on different maturation timetables, and one of the most unforgiving is the system for language development," says Dr. Laura-Ann Petitto of Galluadet University. "It peaks at age 3.. and if the child doesn't experience exposure to the fundamental patterns of language in early life—6 to 10 months old—you are putting the child at severe risk" of major language, reading, and even math delays later on. "That may explain why deaf children of parents who sign from birth perform significantly better in reading and attention outcomes than deaf children whose parents did not sign," according to Education Week. Read the full story here.