Notes the variability in child speech and language development. Explores the debate over whether and when to intervene with children whose speech is developing later than the norm. (HTH)

This informational document is intended to help answer questions commonly asked by families, professionals, and the general public concerning Down Syndrome. Medical problems associated with Down Syndrome include heart conditions, upper respiratory disorders, ear infections and hearing loss, vision/eye problems, cervical problems, and…

The book summarizes the current state of knowledge concerning language development in children with Down Syndrome (DS). The first chapter reviews language development in normal children, noting such stages as gestures, first sounds, development of understanding, first spoken words, and the two-word stage. The next chapter examines language skills…

The language and conversational skills of young children with delayed language development can be fostered by using specific strategies in small-group story reading, including praising children's talk, expanding children's words, asking open-ended questions, and pausing for children to initiate. Teachers are encouraged to train parents to use the…