Question
How soon can it be beneficial to start Speech therapy for a baby with Down Syndrome?
Answer
Ideally, speech therapy begins shortly after birth in the context of feeding. This should come as no surprise considering the relationship between oral-motor ability for swallowing and speech production. Proper body positioning (i.e., keeping the infant's mouth lower than the ears) forces the baby to exercise the oral muscles necessary for drawing the milk while preventing it from flowing into the Eustachian tubes. As an added bonus, tongue retraction is encouraged which ultimately benefits speech production.
Although you will find frequent recommendations to begin therapy at birth, there is little written to guide you through the process. You are certain to find the oral-motor and positioning strategies described by Ms. Sara Rosenfeld-Johnson instructive. Dr. Libby Kumin's descriptions of oral and sound stimulation, augmentative communication, and ways to establish a language-rich environment following feeding therapy are also very informative.
Dr. Karen E. Crockett has been a speech-language pathologist for over 30 years and has expansive clinical experience in many settings. She is the owner of Crockett & Associates Communication Clinics, a private practice in the Tampa, Florida, which specializes in treatment programs for developmentally delayed children and adults.
Karen Crockett, Ph.D,CCC-SLP
Related Courses
1https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/treatment-approach-considerations-for-school-9472Treatment Approach Considerations for School-Aged Children with Speech Sound DisordersThis course will address the theoretical underpinnings and research base related to differential diagnosis and treatment of articulation and phonological deficits in children with speech sound disorders. Special considerations for how to tailor evaluation and intervention to meet the needs of school-age children will be discussed.auditory, textual, visual
This course will address the theoretical underpinnings and research base related to differential diagnosis and treatment of articulation and phonological deficits in children with speech sound disorders. Special considerations for how to tailor evaluation and intervention to meet the needs of school-age children will be discussed.
2https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/ripple-effect-stuttering-community-based-9217The Ripple Effect of Stuttering: A Community-Based ApproachThis is Part 2 of a four-part series. The stuttering experience has a ripple effect that extends far beyond the child who stutters. Parents, teachers, peers, and others must possess both knowledge and skills to best support children who stutter. This course will highlight new clinical tools and resources to provide a community-based treatment approach for stuttering. (Part 1 - Course 9278, Part 3 - Course 9301, Part 4 - Course 9304)auditory, textual, visual
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3https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/behavioral-frameworks-for-dementia-management-9473Behavioral Frameworks for Dementia ManagementThis course will focus on cognitive-communication intervention strategies for various dementia presentations and will provide a review of evidence-based treatment. Behavioral frameworks along with their rationales will be introduced and applied across several dementia types and mild, moderate and severe levels of impairment.auditory, textual, visual
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4https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/20q-infection-control-strategies-for-972920Q: Infection Control Strategies for SLPsSpeech-language pathologists are expected by policy authorities to apply appropriate measures to protect patients, co-workers and themselves in clinical situations that may expose individuals to infectious microbes. This article provides practical guidelines for implementing infection control principles within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, including discussion of personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfecting and cleaning products.textual, visual
Speech-language pathologists are expected by policy authorities to apply appropriate measures to protect patients, co-workers and themselves in clinical situations that may expose individuals to infectious microbes. This article provides practical guidelines for implementing infection control principles within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, including discussion of personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfecting and cleaning products.
5https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/thickened-liquids-in-clinical-practice-10497Thickened Liquids in Clinical Practice: The Plot “Thickens”Clinicians who utilize thickened liquids in their clinical practice are aware of their benefits, but what about the risks and contraindications? Advantages and disadvantages of thickened liquids are reviewed in this course with a focus on clinical outcomes, including impacts on medication administration, lung health, and hydration. Product types are evaluated to facilitate appropriate choices for individual clients.auditory, textual, visual
Clinicians who utilize thickened liquids in their clinical practice are aware of their benefits, but what about the risks and contraindications? Advantages and disadvantages of thickened liquids are reviewed in this course with a focus on clinical outcomes, including impacts on medication administration, lung health, and hydration. Product types are evaluated to facilitate appropriate choices for individual clients.
