Tips from our speech therapist

Thanks to Sarah for sharing the following tips about speech.

Although a child may only know ten or twenty or thirty words or signs at this stage, that does not mean that these are the only words you should use with him or her. On the contrary, children need to be exposed to a rich variety of language all of their life so that they can reach their potential in communication skills.

All of the tremendous strides, the discoveries about the true capabilities of people with Down syndrome, have occurred because parents and caregivers now provide their children with stimulation, improved health care and opportunities for inclusion and experience. Much of the language stimulation you provide your child can, and should, be worked into naturally occurring activities and routines. Siblings, babysitters, grandparents and friends will all be willing to help if you show them what to do!

Here is a way that you can help children learn the word “red”, for example. Gather many red things from around the house such as red towels, a red skirt, a red tie, a red bell. Put them all in a “treasure” bag or a red basket. Have the child pull them out one by one. The adult should say (and sign) “red” for each object as it is pulled out. You can make this an after-dinner game. You can also serve spaghetti and red fruit juice and strawberries and red apples. Read a book about red. Have fun with it! After all, learning should be a fun experience!