Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs when a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. This difference in genetic makeup can lead to intellectual disability and developmental delays, and may affect areas such as communication, learning, movement, and overall health.
While people with Down Syndrome may share some common features, each individual has their own unique strengths and challenges. Some may experience delays in speech and language development, difficulties with motor skills, or challenges with daily living activities. Others may be impacted by associated health conditions such as heart or hearing problems.
At Advance Therapy, our team of speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists work together to support individuals with Down Syndrome across all areas of development. We provide personalised therapy programs that are designed to build communication, enhance physical skills, and promote independence in everyday life.
We understand the importance of helping people with Down Syndrome to participate fully at home, school, and in the community. That’s why we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers each person to achieve their goals and live a fulfilling life.
Speech Pathology for Down syndrome
At Advance Therapy, our speech pathologists support individuals with Down Syndrome by providing tailored interventions to address communication challenges and enhance participation in everyday life. Therapy focuses on building functional communication skills, improving speech clarity, and creating opportunities for meaningful social interaction.
Individuals with Down Syndrome may experience a range of communication difficulties, including challenges with expressive and receptive language, motor planning for speech and speech intelligibility, social communication skills, and broader cognitive skills that impact learning and memory.
Speech pathology intervention may include explicit, evidence-based approaches to strengthen expressive and receptive language skills, strategies to improve clarity and intelligibility of speech, and support to develop pragmatic skills for more effective social communication. Therapy also aims to maximise opportunities for practice across home, school, and community settings, ensuring skills are functional and meaningful.
Overall, speech pathology is an important part of the multidisciplinary support provided to individuals with Down Syndrome at Advance Therapy. Our speech pathologists are dedicated to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to help each person achieve their communication goals, connect with others, and participate fully in the activities that matter most to them.
If you’d like to find out more about how speech therapy can help, please contact Advance Therapy today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced speech pathologists.
