What are the language and social interaction skills of a child with Down syndrome?
Children with Down syndrome have strengths in the area of vocabulary and pragmatics (social interactive language). They often develop a rich and varied vocabulary as they mature. They have good social interactive skills and use gestures and facial expressions effectively to help themselves communicate.
How does Down syndrome affect speech and language?
Spoken language is delayed relative to cognitive development – Most children with Down syndrome develop spoken language skills more slowly than their non-verbal mental abilities. They have therefore been described as having a specific speech and language delay.
What is the preferred language when referring to a person with Down syndrome?
People with Down syndrome and other medical diagnoses should always be referred to as people first. Instead of describing someone as “a Down syndrome child,” it should be “a child with Down syndrome.” This is called “person first” language and takes care to put the emphasis on a person, not a disability.
How can I help my child with Down syndrome in school?
How Do You Accommodate Students With Down Syndrome?
- First, always speak directly to the student, using clear, receptive language and short sentences.
- Place a strong emphasis on visual learning when teaching reading to students with Down syndrome. Think visual demonstrations, pictures, and illustrations.
What are the cognitive characteristics of children with Down syndrome and how do they influence language development?
Children with Down syndrome are expected to show cognitive delay, to be slower in developing their awareness and understanding of the world and to think reason and remember. This cognitive delay may be in part the consequence of the language learning difficulties.
At what age does a child with Down syndrome talk?
Typically, these children have a much harder time learning to talk (expressive language) than with understanding what they hear (receptive language). On average, children with Down syndrome start using words around 16 months of age—about 6 months later than other children.
What do you call children with Down syndrome?
People with Down syndrome should always be referred to as people first. Instead of “a Down syndrome child,” it should be “a child with Down syndrome.” Also avoid “Down’s child” and describing the condition as “Down’s,” as in, “He has Down’s.” Down syndrome is a condition or a syndrome, not a disease.
How do you motivate a child with Down syndrome?
How to Motivate a Child with Down Syndrome
- Have high expectations for your child.
- Encourage your child to be independent (i.e. getting dressed, grooming, etc.)
- Give your child chores, but make sure to consider his or her mental capacity, attention span, and abilities.
How are language and communication skills related to Down syndrome?
The only etiological factor undoubtedly linked to Down syndrome is increasing maternal age ( Hassold & Sherman, 2002 ). See Patterson and Lott (2008) for further details about etiology. For all individuals, language and communication skills are related to skills in other areas of development.
Where can I get speech therapy for Down syndrome?
Speech-Language Therapy for Down Syndrome. You are here: At Speech & Occupational therapy of North Texas, we have treated many children who have Down syndrome. As pediatric therapists we enjoy helping each child, with their unique profile, make progress with speech, language, motor and sensory development.
How to help your child with Down syndrome?
Your medical history information, observations and concerns are key to developing a clear picture of your child’s therapy needs.
How does Ome affect children with Down syndrome?
However, data on the early effects of OME on language development of children with Down syndrome are lacking. Longitudinal studies are needed to address the impact of OME during the early years of development on later language performance for this population.
