Impacts of Limited Access to Speech Development Opportunities

If we believe that those with Down syndrome can’t do certain things well, will we encourage those skills just as we would for a child without Down syndrome? Research has shown that mothers tend to talk to their children with Down syndrome less than those without DS. This begins a spiral that can lead to lifelong speech and language deficits. Even most doctors, teachers, and allied professionals believe speech should be delayed or reduced in favor of non-speech communication strategies.

What happens when speech and language are not encouraged or when other means of communication are taught instead (sign language, picture use, & speech-generating devices)? What would happen to a typically developing child compared to a child with Down syndrome? Current popularity of AAC use for all children with communication delays and disorders has inadvertently left many children without speech proficiency and verbal language skills due to a lack of speech practice (speech therapy is usually offered one time per week or less, making time to learn multiple communication systems impossible). Would we see the same speech and language patterns and deficits in a typical child not encouraged to speak? Let’s compare what we know.

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