I come from deaf parents & am fluent in Auslan sign. I started signing to my baby a few months ago, just basics, milk, more, finish, bed, mummy & daddy. My niece was also taught like this though was close to 12months old when she actually started doing the signs. IT WAS FANTASTIC... She would tell you she was finished, wanted more or wanted to go to bed. It was sooo easy. I would definately be persistant with it, it does pay off. She was also a great entertainer at parties lol. At 1 year of age she could sign about 20 words. We would ask her how do you say Aunty, then she would sign it and so forth like that. It was very impressive

Here is a link to Auslan - Signbank Just punch in the word you want to know how to sign & it will show you.

Feel free to PM me anytime if you want any help with it.

I say give it a go for sure. Now is definately the time to start though It will take time before your DS will respond to it. Show the sign first, repeat it, then grab his hands/fingers & get him to do it. At other times just make sure he is watching you, say it, do the sign, then repeat. It's also a nice way to spend time together.

I can't say I know of any books out there but I'm sure there is.

It definately does not delay speech. If anything, it helps. My niece is now a very, very intelligent 3 year old. I don't think it's the sign that made her that way, but it obviously didn't hinder her developement.

Good luck.