Down syndrome Awareness Month is the perfect time to celebrate the talents and strengths of those who have Down Syndrome. While they develop in their own unique way, with their talents and strengths.
Because of a slightly different DNA code, those with down syndrome can their speech and language development impacted. Very Well Family gives some examples:
Low facial muscle tone can make articulation challenging.
A comparatively large tongue for their mouth size can make it harder to form sounds.
Frequent ear infections can impede hearing due to the presence of fluid in the ears.
Slower learning capabilities can push back developmental milestones, including speech milestones.
These differences lead to receptive language (what the child understands) being stronger than expressive language (what the child says). There are several preventative and proactive treatments that can be done early on to help bridge this gap.
Down syndrome affects a child’s ability to communicate in a variety of ways. If you have a child with Down syndrome, know that early speech and language interventions can improve their quality of life tremendously
Children with Down syndrome can grow up to live rich, full lives
If you have a child with Down syndrome, early intervention with speech-language therapy is key to long term success. Speech therapy promotes expressive and receptive language development, as well as teaches clear speech and communication.
Due to physiological and anatomical differences, such as high arched palates, thicker tongues, small mouths, and low muscle tone, a child with Down syndrome age longer acquire muscle coordination needed for talking, swallowing, and chewing.
Learning sign language gives children with Down syndrome another way to express themselves. When used together with spoken language and gestures, it can reduce frustration and anxiety.
Here at First Words Speech Therapy we are experienced helping children with Down syndrome excel in a safe and comfortable environment. Designed to improve communication, speech, language, swallowing and feeding development.
