Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 and is associated with distinct developmental and cognitive profiles. Speech and language impairments are common, especially in expressive syntax and intelligibility. Individuals often have relatively strong social communication but struggle with articulatory precision due to anatomical and neuromotor factors. SLPs are essential in supporting language acquisition, intelligibility, and literacy for individuals with Down syndrome across the lifespan.
Roberts, Joanne E., Price, Johanna, and Malkin, Cheryl. "Language and Communication Development in Down Syndrome." Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews 13, no. 1 (2007).
Vorperian, Houri K., et al. "Single-Word Speech Intelligibility in Children and Adults With Down Syndrome." Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research 61, no. 2 (2018).
