Speech and language is a huge topic in the world of Down syndrome!
At DSUK we are huge advocates of introducing signing from a young age to aid our children’s communication, as we know that speech for children will be delayed, so we use signing as a bridge until speech starts to enable the child to communicate with us! We run regular Makaton training courses for our new parents, grandparents, dads and nurseries.
We would encourage all speech and language therapists who are working with someone with Down syndrome, to join the Down Syndrome Clinical Excellence Network (CEN). Parents and other professionals working with our children and young people can join as Friends of the CEN.
Training sessions for Speech & Language Therapists
These sessions will be led by our Director of Education and Speech and Language Therapy, Dr Rebecca Baxter. Becky is a speech and language therapist who has extensive experience working with children with Down syndrome.
Becky is also involved in a number of research projects across speech, language and education issues associated with Down syndrome. Becky completed her PhD in 2023 at University College London, which involved developing and evaluating a language intervention for children with Down syndrome.
We can offer both online and in-person training in either hourly, half day, or full day sessions.
A beginners guide to signing
From a young age, we also recommend introducing speech sound work and we include this in our youngest groups in PEGS – PADS Early development Groups, which UK families can access online.
If you would like more information about PEGS please register your interest by joining our database and updating to details accordingly.
Promoting Singing
There are so many everyday activities you can enjoy with your child that encourage communication, including singing as explained in this video from Gemma McNally, speech and language therapist and mum to Caleb.