Down Syndrome and Speech & Language Therapy: An Overview
What is Down Syndrome and what impact might it have on speech, language and communication?
Down Syndrome is a genetic condition where a person is born with a third copy of chromosome 21.
There is a wide range of individual differences in speech and language profiles across children with Down Syndrome. However, typically children will have a relative strength in communication/social skills and vocabulary, with difficulties in the areas of grammar and speech.
Many children with Down Syndrome follow a typical developmental pathway in their early years, just at a slower rate. This means that they may learn word meanings in the same way as a typically developing child, they may babble in the same way too, but at an older age.
Visual and hearing abilities, sleep and overall health can influence speech and language development for children with Down Syndrome.
Some children with Down Syndrome may have other diagnoses too, which may change the way in which they develop their communication skills.
What does therapy look like for a child with Down Syndrome?
Early intervention is key! The research suggests that children with Down Syndrome are exposed to 22% fewer words per day compared to their typically developing peers. That’s 3,357 fewer words in a day, or 1.2 million words in a year! Many children with Down Syndrome are delayed in their babbling, talking and initiation of interaction, leading to fewer conversational turns with a communication partner.
It is important that each child is assessed and supported based on their unique communication skills and style. Therapy is never a one-size-fits-all approach!
How about in adolescents or early adulthood?
Research suggests that people with Down Syndrome can continue to make progress with their speech, language and communication skills through their adolescent years and into early adulthood!
I have worked with a number of college-aged students with Down Syndrome who have done exactly this! From the clarity of their speech sounds, development of their grammar, engagement in the community and with their peers, to the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
How do you keep up to date to ensure a specialist service for people with Down Syndrome?
Each year, I am committed to attending the Down Syndrome Education Research Forum to gain up-to-date knowledge on the latest research and technologies. In 2024, there’s lots of exciting research using video recording technologies to research language development and interventions in the home environment.
I have completed a number of courses , including Down Syndrome Education International Courses, “Improving speech and language development for children and young people with Down syndrome” and “Implementing the Reading and Language Intervention for children with Down syndrome (RLI)”.
What services do you offer?
At NPSLT, we offer a range of services (link to services page) for people with Down Syndrome. Speech and Language Therapy input is always tailored to suit the profile of the individual.
We always endeavour to provide additional services that you feel are missing in the local area. Whether that is a parent/carer-only group to provide speech, language and communication advice, a parent/carer support group, group therapy for children or adults with Down Syndrome.
If you have any feedback or requests, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
