Abstract
Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) present a distinctive language development profile characterized by specific strengths and weaknesses, which are influenced by cognitive, physiological, and environmental factors. Language impairments in this population are more pronounced than their general cognitive abilities suggest, pointing to particular deficits in linguistic processing. Common challenges include productive language limitations, poor speech intelligibility due to phonological issues, and morphosyntactic difficulties. Despite these challenges, receptive vocabulary tends to be a relative strength, and pragmatic and semantic skills for everyday communication are often well-developed. Although these profiles are typical, there is significant variability among individuals with DS. Recent research and intervention strategies show promise in addressing these language development challenges, offering potential pathways for improved communication outcomes in this population.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Reference Module in Social Sciences |
| Publisher | Elsevier |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2025 |
Keywords
- Down syndrome
- Intellectual Disability
- Language disorder