Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that occurs before birth. People who have Down syndrome have an extra chromosome 21, which causes mental retardation and sometimes other medical conditions, including hearing loss. The mental retardation associated with Down syndrome ranges from mild to moderate or profound. Children who have Down syndrome often experience a number of developmental delays, and language acquisition is one example. Though no two people are alike, children who have Down syndrome may share characteristics relating to language.
Delayed Language Acquisition
Children who have Down syndrome often experience a number of developmental delays, and language acquisition is one example. When most babies begin to put words together around age 1, babies with Down syndrome tend to lag. As the National Down Syndrome Society explains, children of this age do not yet have the neurological development or the physical skills to begin talking yet. Language acquisition in very young children with Down syndrome is accompanied by gesturing and facial expressions in order to express wishes and needs.
Developed Social Interaction Vocabulary
Children with Down syndrome develop language that is rich in vocabulary and very social in nature. They may still continue to use body language as a mode of communication that accompanies the spoken word. Vocabulary continues to build as the children grow and mature into adults.
Difficulty With Grammar
The complexities of grammar tend to be difficult for young people who have Down syndrome, according to the National Down Syndrome Society. Verb tenses, word roots and endings may be harder for a person with Down syndrome to learn when compared to her age-appropriate peers.
Difficulty With Vocal Articulation
Speech therapy may be a tool used to help make vocal articulation easier for children with Down syndrome. Low muscle tone in the face may make articulating sounds and coordinating breathing and speaking hard for some people to accomplish. Not every child with Down syndrome is affected the same way in relation to articulation, but this is not an uncommon characteristic.
Receptive Language Strengths
Receptive language is a strength for children and adults who have Down syndrome. From a very young age, babies who have Down syndrome understand what's going on around them. Expressive language is more difficult to achieve than receptive language.
