Down's Syndrome is caused by an extra copy of the 21st chromosome, which is a portion of genetic material in the makeup of the human body that controls genetic development. Down Syndrome, according to the National Down Syndrome Society, affects over 400,000 people in the U.S. alone. Risks of having a Down Syndrome baby increase as a woman ages. Today, thanks to medical technology and support and counseling, Down Syndrome individuals are living to reach their 60s as opposed to their 20s, as was the norm in the early 1980s. Multiple challenges face Down Syndrome babies and children as they grow and develop, one of them being communication. Helping children with Down Syndrome communicate better offers them the tools they'll need to lead as normal lives as possible and become productive members of society.
Step 1
Encourage communication skills in toddlers diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Speech and language therapy can be individualized to meet the needs of children with various abilities and disabilities when it comes to communication. Encourage toddlers and children to also use facial expressions and gestures to express feelings. According to Libby Kumin, Professor and Department Chair of the Speech-Language Pathology Department at Loyola College, Baltimore, children should be encouraged to combine signs and gestures, like high fives, pointing, smiles and other gestures to help express their feelings, emotions and needs.
Step 2
Practice vocabulary with Down Syndrome children. Use picture and word cards to help children learn the meaning of words, shapes, animals and other symbols that can help them relate and communicate. Down Syndrome children, according to Professor Kumin, may have difficulty with grammar concepts, but believes that children with Down Syndrome don't have any particular language or speech problems that are much different than any other child. Create a communication learning technique that is specifically geared to your child.
Step 3
Practice communication skills, words, vocabulary and gestures every day to immerse the Down Syndrome child in expressing himself on a continual basis. Siblings, parents, friends, teachers and other individuals engaged in the child's life or daily environment should talk to the Down Syndrome child as with any other child in order to help build vocabulary, understanding and emotional connection to other human beings. Whether the child speaks in one word sentences or adds two or three words together as he develops, consistently and constantly encourage speech and respond appropriately.
