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, Helping Children with Down Syndrome is 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)

Includes a suggested reading list, resource guide, and appendices (sample evaluations and blank forms).