Communication in Children with Down Syndrome

The purpose of the study was to describe the communication of toddlers with Down syndrome in everyday routines with their caregivers within four intervention time points. Archival video data of caregiver-implemented language intervention from the KidTalk Tactics Project were used to describe the communication of three children, ages 12 to 20 months, measured at four time periods across caregiving, pre-academic, and play routines. Increases in the frequency of single words and multiple word phrases were evident for all children. Variability in the frequency of communication acts in different routines were noted. The results of this study contribute to the expanding literature on caregiver-implemented intervention in natural environments by examining the unique profiles of toddlers with Down syndrome and the context in which they participated with their caregivers.

I am a graduate student pursuing a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology. My research interests range from language delays to severe disorders in young children. As a professional, I aspire to work collaboratively with children and their families to ensure appropriate language growth and development.