Helping Children with Down Syndrome Communicate Better: Speech and Language Skills for Ages 6-14
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...
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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, this is the only book about speech and language issues for children with Down syndrome ages 6-14, and is the sequel to Early Communication Skills for Children with Down Syndrome. 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 speechFactors 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 forcommunication (assessing need, types of augmentative or alternative communication, the right match for your child)A suggested reading list, resource guide, and appendices (sample evaluations and blank forms) complement the wealth of practical suggestions and strategies in Helping Children with Down Syndrome Communicate Better. Parents, therapists, and teachers will want to refer to it often to help children make communication progress and participate fully in their lives. Down Syndrome News Libby Kumin is an expert in communication and Down syndrome, a teacher and an advocate. Kumin has extensive experience in working with people with DS of all ages and is familiar with common (and less common) challenges that occur and how to address them. She is a teacher, and writes thorough, detailed explanations, as if anticipating and answering questions readers might have. Kumin is also an advocate, and troubleshoots for parents advocating for school services by giving examples of roadblocks they might encounter and provides a roadmap to make detours to continue down the path of improving your child's speech and language. Kumin provides numerous activities and games that parents and professionals can use to help 6-14 year olds improve their communication.
\ From The CriticsReviewer: Pam Greenblatt, M.A, Speech Pat(Academy In Manayunk)\ Description: This book on Down syndrome and its impact on speech and language skills is a great overview for students interested in this population. It is also a wonderful book for parents or educators who seek to understand the unique speech and language challenges that a child with Down syndrome faces.\ Purpose: The purpose is to provide parents and professionals with information and resources regarding the speech and language issues important to children with Down syndrome between the ages of 6-14 years. The objectives addressed by this book are noteworthy as there is no other book on the market that addresses this population that is also parent-friendly. \ Audience: The author targets this book at parents and professionals who are looking to improve a child's communication at school, home, and in the general wider community. The book is helpful for professionals who need a basic understanding of speech and language deficits and treatment options in the Down syndrome population, but the book is most helpful to parents. This is the latest publications on Down syndrome this author has written.\ Features: It covers a variety of speech and language topics including the distinction between speech and language, the evaluation process, assessing speech and language skills, treatment of speech and language deficits, communication concerns at school, home, and in the community, as well as assistive technology options for children ages 6 to 14 years with Down syndrome. It is particularly useful for individuals not knowledgeable in the field of speech-language therapy. As a therapist, I found some aspects of the book simplistic - the book may not be as helpful to professionals as the author hoped. \ Assessment: This book provides practical, useful information for parents, including information to request from their child's speech and language therapist as well as therapy ideas and additional resources. It is also useful for students entering the field who are interested in working with children affected by Down syndrome.\ \ \ \ \ ForeWord MagazineIntegrating the latest research, therapies in speech-language therapy, and assistive technology, Kumin adds to this practical and invaluable handbook with quick lists, sample worksheets, evalutions, reports, and surveys; an extensive Resource Guide with related organizations and websites; and eye-catching photographs of children with Down syndrome at school, at home, and in the community. Although her information is authoritative, the text is easy to read and the author's tone is always encouraging and supportive. Her 10 Tips for Nurturing Your Child's Communication Skills should become a mantra for all families and professionals working with children with Down syndrome. If helping these children communicate better is the goal, then this book is the guiding path.\ \ \ Down Syndrome NewsLibby Kumin is an expert in communication and Down syndrome, a teacher and an advocate. Kumin has extensive experience in working with people with DS of all ages and is familiar with common (and less common) challenges that occur and how to address them. She is a teacher, and writes thorough, detailed explanations, as if anticipating and answering questions readers might have. Kumin is also an advocate, and troubleshoots for parents advocating for school services by giving examples of roadblocks they might encounter and provides a roadmap to make detours to continue down the path of improving your child's speech and language. Kumin provides numerous activities and games that parents and professionals can use to help 6-14 year olds improve their communication.\ \
