| Learning to talk to children with Down syndrome has | | | | gestures for a need or want, encourage them to say |
| a few special challenges simply because of the nature | | | | the word. If they want a hug, have them attempt to |
| of the disorder. These special children have | | | | say the word HUG. Exaggerate the pronunciation as |
| developmental delays which vary from mild to severe | | | | dramatically as necessary. Praise them for any |
| in learning, speech and cognitive development. Helping | | | | attempt and celebrate ALL successes. |
| them to learn to verbalize, pronounce and enunciate, | | | | Encouragement and praise will be crucial to their |
| to the best of their ability, will require learning to talk | | | | continued effort. |
| to them. | | | | When talking to a child with Down syndrome, |
| The common areas of weakness in speech | | | | ALWAYS allow them time to respond. We cannot |
| development for children with Down syndrome do | | | | always find the right words at times - and they just |
| not necessarily lie within their ability to understand or | | | | need a little longer. If they are having trouble with |
| comprehend, but in being able to process and form | | | | pronunciation, that's ok. Accept any attempt in the |
| words in response. Poor phonics skills, poor auditory | | | | beginning. As they become more confident over |
| memory, and/or their passive temperaments may all | | | | time, gently prompt with the correct pronunciation. |
| influence those around them to simply respond to | | | | Remember, they are just learning at a slower pace |
| their needs, which may be given by gestures, grunts, | | | | and need lots of practice. |
| or their own version of sign language, without | | | | Down syndrome children also have the tendency of |
| encouraging verbalization. Given that bit of | | | | being passive by nature, so they may rarely demand |
| information, you will realize that talking with these | | | | attention. Therefore, it is not uncommon for them to |
| very special children are not much different than | | | | be ignored in social settings. Including them in |
| talking with any other child. It just requires a little | | | | conversations will increase their comprehension, social, |
| more patience, and an understanding that you are | | | | verbal, and auditory skills. It is also a major influence |
| both learning as you go. | | | | on their self-esteem as well. |
| First and foremost, never underestimate their ability | | | | Every moment and action is an opportunity to build |
| to comprehend and understand. Talk to them as you | | | | the language skills of a Down syndrome child. Simple |
| would any child their age. Just because they may | | | | conversations become catalysts for understanding |
| have difficulty finding the right word to respond with | | | | the world around them. Allowing them time to |
| or difficulty forming it, does not mean they don't get | | | | respond, and praising every attempt, will give them |
| it. Even if they don't understand exactly at that | | | | the practice they need to communicate not only with |
| moment - at some point they will. | | | | family, but with the outside world. And that will truly |
| When a child with Down syndrome grunts, signs or | | | | be something to celebrate with them. |