As children with Down syndrome reach age 6 they encounter more complex speech and language demands in their learning and relationships with others. This is when gaps in communication abilities between children with Down syndrome and their typically developing peers begin to widen. Helping Children with Down Syndrome Communicate Better provides parents and professionals with the information and resources they need to improve their child s communication at school, at home, and in the wider community. Written by Dr. Libby Kumin, an expert in Down syndrome and communication, this is the only book about speech and language issues for children with Down syndrome ages 6-14, and is the sequel to Early Communication Skills for Children with Down Syndrome. Encouraging and parent-friendly, it covers the scope of speech and language issues important for this age group, from understanding language pragmatics to building conversation skills and from using augmentative and alternative communication systems to improving speech intelligibility. Chapters include case studies, research, home and school activities for practice, and present:
The distinctions between language and speech
Factors that make speech and language difficult (articulation, grammar, fluency)
The evaluation process (school or private evaluation)
Assessment of language and speech skills
Language treatment (grammar, vocabulary, reading)
Speech treatment (articulation, fluency, apraxia)
Communication skills at school
Communication skills at home & in the community
Conversational skills (how to start & end conversations, take turns, stay on topic)
Assistive technology for communication (assessing need, types of augmentative or alternative communication, the right match for your child)
A suggested reading list, resource guide, and appendices (sample evaluations and blank forms) complement the wealth of practical suggestions and strategies in Helping Children with Down Syndrome Communicate Better. Parents, therapists, and teachers will want to refer to it often to help children make communication progress and participate fully in their lives.
