Shel, since you're experienced in the field of deaf education, would you do me the honors of helping me create the pros and cons of each of the 2 scenarios below? Anyone else can help! I could be totally wrong, but at least its a start.
1) Teaching ASL first
Pro - Child is MORE likely will develop language/communication, and possibly quicker than spoken English.
Con - Speech is more likely to be delayed. Being mainstreamed is more likely to be delayed.
2) Teaching Spoken English first
Pro - Child learns language/communication and speech simultaneously and can be mainstreamed much earlier.
Con - Child is LESS likely to develop language/communication. Language is more likely to be delayed. Being mainstreamed is more likely to be delayed if child does not respond well to spoken English.
Does that just about sum it up?