In this episode of Beyond Words, host Garrett Oyama, MS, CCC-SLP, welcomes Dr. Susan Goldin-Meadow, PhD, a world-renowned researcher on gesture and language development, to explore a common question from parents and caregivers: “Will using gestures or sign language delay my child’s speech?” Decades of research tell a different story. Gesture is not only a natural part of communication, it’s also a powerful predictor of language growth.
Listeners will discover how gesture supports thinking, reveals what children know before they can express it in words, and serves as an important foundation for spoken language. Dr. Goldin-Meadow shares how encouraging gestures can strengthen both language and cognitive development, offering a fresh perspective for SLPs, educators, and families alike.
By the end of this conversation, clinicians will walk away with practical, evidence-based tools to assess early communication, guide families with confidence, and integrate gesture into therapy across a wide range of profiles. This is a must-listen for anyone supporting children’s communication from a developmentally grounded perspective.
Listeners will discover how gesture supports thinking, reveals what children know before they can express it in words, and serves as an important foundation for spoken language. Dr. Goldin-Meadow shares how encouraging gestures can strengthen both language and cognitive development, offering a fresh perspective for SLPs, educators, and families alike.
By the end of this conversation, clinicians will walk away with practical, evidence-based tools to assess early communication, guide families with confidence, and integrate gesture into therapy across a wide range of profiles. This is a must-listen for anyone supporting children’s communication from a developmentally grounded perspective.
