Caitlin Learning

This journal article discusses how bilingualism can help mitigate the negative impacts of cochlear implants on deaf children. It emphasizes the importance of language development and suggests that children should learn sign language before, during, and after the surgical process to ensure language acquisition and reach their full linguistic potential. The article highlights the variability of success in cochlear implantation and the risks of language delay during critical periods of brain development. It argues that a bimodal-bilingual approach, where children acquire proficiency in both sign language and spoken language, is the optimal approach for deaf children with cochlear implants. The article calls for a shift from focusing solely on speech development to prioritizing overall language development for better long-term outcomes.

This is an introduction to an article about the importance of early language development for the brain and cognitive function. The article emphasizes the connection between language and cognitive skills like executive function and theory of mind. It states that language plays a vital role in the development of other skills. The article also discusses the impact of language deprivation on deaf children and the need to prevent language delay. It mentions that learning sign language alongside spoken language does not negatively affect a child's ability to acquire speech. The article highlights the importance of tracking and monitoring language development in deaf children and provides milestones to assess their progress. It encourages early intervention and dispels the myth that sign language is a last resort. The article concludes by recommending further research and providing references for more information.

This video shows two babies, one hearing and one deaf. It demonstrates how language deprivation affects the deaf baby. The hearing baby easily communicates and learns while the deaf baby struggles. The video explains that the brain forms many new connections from birth to age 5. However, the deaf baby's language development is slower compared to the hearing baby. As the children grow, the gap between their language skills widens. The video emphasizes the importance of language input and the impact it has on a person's development. It raises awareness about language deprivation and encourages support for deaf children through sign language and language equality initiatives.