Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, leading to developmental and physical characteristics unique to individuals with the condition. Children with Down syndrome may encounter challenges in developing communication skills, including understanding language, using expressive language, and producing clear speech sounds. While they often excel in social interactions, speech intelligibility (how easily their speech can be understood), remains a significant difficulty across all ages. This can be attributed to challenges such as articulation issues with specific sounds, low oral-facial muscle tone, and difficulties with motor planning and coordination for speech. Additionally, many children with Down syndrome face challenges with grammar, verb tenses, and word endings, often using shorter sentences to communicate effectively.

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Language difficulties associated with Down Syndrome

-       Difficulty producing clear speech sounds due to low oral-facial muscle tone

-       Slower vocabulary development

-       Difficulties with verb tenses, sentence structure and word endings

-       Difficulty following multi-step directions

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Speech-language pathologists at Speech Hub support individuals with Down syndrome by addressing their communication challenges and enhancing their ability to interact effectively with others. Key responsibilities include:

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• Evaluating speech, language, and communication skills to identify areas of strength and difficulty, such as speech intelligibility, language comprehension, and expressive language.

• Providing therapy to improve articulation, clarity, and the coordination of muscle movements for speech, addressing issues such as low oral-facial muscle tone and motor planning difficulties.

• Supporting the development of vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure, as well as strategies for improving comprehension and expressive communication.

• For individuals with significant communication challenges, SLPs may introduce AAC tools such as sign language, picture-based systems, or speech-generating devices to facilitate communication.

• Developing skills for appropriate social interactions, including turn-taking, understanding nonverbal cues, and initiating or maintaining conversations.

 

Consistent speech-language therapy helps children with Down syndrome build communication abilities, enabling them to engage with peers and participate more actively in school, social settings, and other activities.