The benefits of using Makaton.

One thing that I get asked all the time when delivering Makaton training is; "will using signs stop my child from speaking?" The short answer to this is "no".

Interestingly, the areas of the brain where gestures and speech develop are next to eachother. So, actually using signs stimulates speech development. Recent studies have shown that the long-term development of speech and interactive skills is positively helped by using signs and symbols.

Makaton can be used to support the understanding of all children. Often people think it can only be used for children with special needs or children in Early Years. This is not the case!

There is research available on the Makaton website here: https://www.makaton.org/aboutMakaton/research