Speech Therapy In Down Syndrome

Speech and language skills are somewhat delayed due to hypo tonicity of muscles.Rather non verbal skills or communication skills are much better as these kids can very well explain all their needs in the form of gestures.Speech skills still vary in children with down syndrome from individual to individual .It depends a lot on IQ level,environment they live ,inputs that being poured in  order to support them,socialization that is being provided.Initially sounds are focused,which are converted in to words.These words are matched with images and joined together to form short and long sentences .The more the vocabulary the fine the language is.Down syndrome kids still have somewhat delayed as well unclear speech.Language is the base of communication.The verbal skills if tuned at the right age ,the child adjusts in education with the same pace.Speech is what one see and hear and how it is intercepted individually.Most of down syndrome cases have vision and hearing issues.These issues if not resolved in early years,they poorly affect mental development of child and further leads to delayed speech.The retention of knowledge for long term is also an issue for them.Downs kids quickly imitate any thing done before them.But when it comes to retention they need frequent repeated inputs.Speech therapy starts with early intervention program.Exercises along with playful activities to enhance oral motor skills are mostly done to begin with.These exercises are tailor made as per individual.As physical and mental development may vary among all kids.Regular input through play therapy is the key to success.