How does Down Syndrome Affect Speech and Language Development?

How does Down Syndrome Affect Speech and Language Development?

What is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs when an individual is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. Chromosomes are threadlike bundles of DNA, and chromosome 21 is the smallest human chromosome. Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States, occurring in about 1 in every 640 babies

Individuals with Down syndrome often have developmental delays as well as distinct physical features such as:

  • Almond-shaped eyes that slant up
  • Flat nose
  • Small ears
  • Short neck
  • Short in stature
  • Tongue that often sticks out
  • Tiny white spots called Brushfield’s spots on part of the eye (iris)
  • Flexible/loose joints
  • Poor muscle tone
  • Hearing issues

How does Down syndrome affect speech and language?

  • Research by the National Library of Medicine states that Down syndrome is associated with specific physical characteristics - such as variations in the oral cavity, palate, and tongue. These variations can negatively impact children’s speech.
  • People with Down syndrome often have mild to moderate intellectual disability. This can lead to delayed language development and speech. 
  • Children with Down syndrome typically experience delays in both receptive language (understanding what others say) and expressive language (using words to communicate). 
  • People with Down syndrome have poor muscle tone. This can affect the muscles used for speech, such as the lips, tongue, and jaw, leading to difficulties producing clear sounds in speech. 
  • Individuals with Down syndrome may have differences in their tongue-to-mouth size ratio, making it harder to form speech sounds accurately.
  • Research consistently shows a higher rate of stuttering in individuals with Down syndrome compared to their peers. 

When do children with Down syndrome learn to speak?

On average, children with Down syndrome start using words to speak around 16 months of age. This is about 6 months later than their peers. They may understand more words than they produce, as they often have delays in their expressive language (talking) compared to their receptive language (understanding).

When should children with Down syndrome start speech therapy?

Speech and language development are a vital part of a child’s early years. For children with Down syndrome, this development is usually slower than their peers.  Although all children with Down syndrome will develop at their own rate, it is beneficial to start speech therapy once you notice that they are behind. This may be as early as the age of 2 or 3

Starting speech therapy early yields a better long-term outcome and the possibility of an independent life into adulthood. Delaying speech therapy results in missed learning opportunities, and the delays can become worse. 

Is speech therapy beneficial for adults with Down syndrome?

Speech therapy is beneficial for people of all ages with Down syndrome. The goals will vary depending on the person’s specific challenges and capacity for improvement. The speech therapist will meet the client exactly where they are and develop a plan to improve their speech and communication. 

People with Down syndrome are generally considered to be very social. They are often described as friendly, compassionate, and empathetic, with a strong desire to please others. Speech therapy will have them work on social communication skills to help them learn how to appropriately interact with others and feel confident in various social situations. 

Adults with Down syndrome need to be comfortable communicating their needs. Many people with Down syndrome can achieve meaningful employment. To do this, they must be able to speak clearly enough for others to understand. Speech therapy can help them reach this goal, as well as many others. 

What does speech therapy for Down syndrome look like?

Regardless of age, speech therapy for Down syndrome will begin with a thorough speech and language assessment. The Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) will then determine the treatment plan that fits the needs of the individual. 

Parents and families are essential partners in the speech therapy process. At Great Speech, we are experts in online speech therapy, making it easier for loved ones to be actively involved. Through speech therapy, everyone supporting the individual can gain the knowledge, tools, and practical strategies needed to encourage progress in everyday life.

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