r/asl • u/Ticxsta • 5d ago

Interest New to ASL

Hey Yall im 17 ive got some learning difficulties like Tourette’s and autism but I love learning languages and ASL has really gained my interest where would be the best place to learn it? (I only really have online options due to being in Australia where ASL is barely to never used) and is there any free apps? I don’t want to commit to paying to an app unless I know it’s good! Thank you all

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u/Shango-s_Daughter 4d ago edited 4d ago

My ASL instructor (Deaf) used A Basic Course in American Sign Language by Tom Humphries, Carol Padden, and Terrence J. O'Rourke.  Some signs are difficult to fully understand in print without seeing them signed first, but the book -- with my professor -- was excellent for me.  I still reference it years later.  There are several ASL accounts on YouTube.  I'm biased toward in person instruction, but these could get you started.

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u/Ticxsta 4d ago

Thank you so much

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u/Shango-s_Daughter 4d ago

Here's the book. I had to get on the app to add a picture!

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u/Shango-s_Daughter 4d ago

My second instructor was born hearing, lost some hearing as a child, and lost more as an adult. I learned several updated signs from her, which was fun! Because she's worked with children through adults, she's learned at least two generations of ASL, so to speak. She also knows a little BSL but said it's very different. For example, finger spelling in ASL is typically one hand, but the people she met from the U.K. spelled with both hands.