Working with Children and Young Adults with Down Syndrome: A Practical Guide for Speech and Language Therapists

"This book is designed to provide accessible and practical knowledge and guidance to speech and language therapists who are working with children and young people with Down syndrome to support their practice. Down syndrome is associated with a particular profile of strengths and difficulties which carry important implications for speech, language, and communication development and intervention. Specific knowledge about the learning profile and the implications for development, assessment, and intervention is critical for effective speech and language therapy service provision. Drawing on knowledge of the Down syndrome phenotype, each chapter provides a straightforward overview of current research before introducing practical strategies and activities that can help support the development of those skills. Opening with an overview of the typical learning profile associated with Down syndrome and goes on to discuss: speech vocabulary complex language skills literacy social communication skills behaviour and communication The book concludes with a discussion of working with schools and parents to support development.