DOWN SYNDROME AND COMMUNICATION
Children who have Down Syndrome typically exhibit delayed speech and language. Early intervention for speech-language therapy is strongly recommended due to these delays.
What to expect from speech-language therapy:
The first thing you can expect is a comprehensive evaluation, in which your child's specific communication strengths and weaknesses are examined.
- Speech: Often, children who have Down Syndrome present with oral-motor difficulties (such as a smaller mouth, slighted longer tongue, and weak muscle tone). These oral-motor issues have a negative impact on how well the child can adequately move their articulators for speech. Speech-language therapy may include various activities to improve oral-motor skills, as well as articulation/speech abilities.
- Language: Typically, children with Down Syndrome exhibit a stronger ability to understand language (receptive language) than using language (expressive language). Speech-language therapy may focus on stimulating verbal expression through visual cues, such as signs/gestures.
- Home Practice: Speech therapy will include suggestions for you to encourage speech and language skills at home.
