This webinar discusses the anatomical, physiological, neurological, and cognitive factors that affect the speech intelligibility of children and adolescents with Down syndrome. Although there are similarities among people who have this genetic disorder, evaluation and treatment are highly individualized based on specific factors that influence a particular individual’s speech. The speaker discusses evaluation and treatment planning, including forms that clinicians can use right away in their own practice.

Learning Objectives:
You will be able to:

• identify speech sound characteristics of children/adolescents with Down syndrome
• identify factors that may impact the speech development and intelligibility of children/adolescents with Down syndrome (e.g., hearing, cognition, anatomical differences, hypotonia, motor planning difficulties)
• evaluate speech sound production and intelligibility in children/adolescents with Down syndrome using assessment principles, forms, and practices
• select targets and implement effective evidence-based interventions for maximizing speech intelligibility and generalizing skills in children/adolescents with Down syndrome

Related Courses

This course is part of a collection—Assessing and Treating Speech Sound Disorders—designed for clinicians who work with children with speech sound disorders as well as clinicians who are new to this population. Taken together, these courses provide a comprehensive view of assessment and treatment of speech sound disorders. Access the full collection in the ASHA Learning Pass or purchase courses individually in the ASHA Store.

Assessment Type

Self-assessment—Think about what you learned and report on the Completion Form how you will use your new knowledge.