by So I’m compiling a video of all of the signs AJ knows, but there are a few that are hard to get. Like Momma, which he won’t sign on command, but signs just fine when he’s frustrated and needs help. I caught it today though!
A lot of his signs are modified in his own way – like help in this video – the sign for help is a thumbs up in the palm of one hand – where the palm is “helping” the other hand up. Instead he uses his thumb to his palm. Basically signing momma in his palm instead of to his chin.
It works – so long as everyone who cares for him knows what it means. Which is getting tricky because he has a lot of signs he’s adjusted this way — when he says more it’s multiple fingers to his palm, and hurt is one finger to his palm. It’s really overall not much different than when kids use words that are modified either – like Averie used to call her blanket her wubby (lovey). But it can be hard to remember, and we have to keep reinforcing it with the right signs in hopes that he starts to shift to the proper sign in time.
