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Learning to talk to children with Down syndrome has a few special
challenges simply because of the nature of the disorder. These special
children have developmental delays which vary from mild to severe
in learning, speech and cognitive development. Helping them to learn
to verbalize, pronounce and enunciate, to the best of their ability,
will require learning to talk to them.
The common areas of weakness in speech development for children
with Down syndrome do not necessarily lie within their ability to
understand or comprehend, but in being able to process and form
words in response. Poor phonics skills, poor auditory memory, and/or
their passive temperaments may all influence those around them to
simply respond to their needs, which may be given by gestures, grunts,
or their own version of sign language, without encouraging verbalization.
Given that bit of information, you will realize that talking with
these very special children are not much different than talking
with any other child. It just requires a little more patience, and
an understanding that you are both learning as you go.
First and foremost, never underestimate their ability to comprehend
and understand. Talk to them as you would any child their age. Just
because they may have difficulty finding the right word to respond
with or difficulty forming it, does not mean they don't get it.
Even if they don't understand exactly at that moment - at some point
they will.
When a child with Down syndrome grunts, signs or gestures for a
need or want, encourage them to say the word. If they want a hug,
have them attempt to say the word HUG. Exaggerate the pronunciation
as dramatically as necessary. Praise them for any attempt and celebrate
ALL successes. Encouragement and praise will be crucial to their
continued effort.
When talking to a child with Down syndrome, ALWAYS allow them time
to respond. We cannot always find the right words at times - and
they just need a little longer. If they are having trouble with
pronunciation, that's ok. Accept any attempt in the beginning. As
they become more confident over time, gently prompt with the correct
pronunciation. Remember, they are just learning at a slower pace
and need lots of practice.
Down syndrome children also have the tendency of being passive
by nature, so they may rarely demand attention. Therefore, it is
not uncommon for them to be ignored in social settings. Including
them in conversations will increase their comprehension, social,
verbal, and auditory skills. It is also a major influence on their
self-esteem as well.
Every moment and action is an opportunity to build the language
skills of a Down syndrome child. Simple conversations become catalysts
for understanding the world around them. Allowing them time to respond,
and praising every attempt, will give them the practice they need
to communicate not only with family, but with the outside world.
And that will truly be something to celebrate with them.
Jaime Baxter 2008
Article Source: EzineArticles.com:
How to Talk to Children With Down Syndrome
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