This course explores the unique speech and language profile of young children with Down syndrome (birth to 3 years of age), emphasizing the physiological, behavioral, and cognitive factors that impact communication. The course reviews developmental and evidence-based strategies for early intervention that address the specific communication needs of children with Down syndrome through a strength-based model of intervention. Emphasizing collaboration with families and allied professionals is crucial for successful interventions.
This course is Part 1 of a three-part series, but can also be taken as a stand-alone learning experience. Part 2: Speech Matters for Cognitive and Social Development for Children With Down Syndrome (Course# 11465) Part 3: Planning and Preparation: Down Syndrome Has a Future (Course# 11466).
Live Webinar
Thu, May 28, 2026 at 12:00 pm EDTCEUs/Hours Offered: ASHA/0.1 Introductory, Professional; Calif SLPAB/1.0; IACET/0.1; IL EITP/1.0; Kansas LTS-S1370/1.0; SAC/1.0
Learning Outcomes
- After this course, participants will be able to identify the anatomical, physiological, and medical factors that impact speech and feeding.
- After this course, participants will be able to discuss behavioral and cognitive phenotypes that impact attention, memory, and executive functioning using a strength-based model of intervention.
- After this course, participants will be able to explain collaborative techniques that help families support communication in daily routines.
Agenda
| 0-5 Minutes | Introduction |
| 5-15 Minutes | Developmental Profile of Down Syndrome (Birth–3), Prevention and Promotion |
| 15-30 Minutes | Specialized Early Intervention Approaches in Family coaching, Feeding, and Medical monitoring |
| 30-50 Minutes | Evidence-based Considerations in Early Intervention |
| 50-55 Minutes | Interactive Discussion |
| 55-60 Minutes | Summary, Q&A |
Presented By
Jennifer Gray
Jennifer Gray has over 20 years of experience as a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in communication for those with Down syndrome. She owns private practices in Colorado and Texas, offers consultation services worldwide, and teaches courses for families and professionals at conferences, schools, and online. She also collaborates with organizations such as GiGi's Playhouse, LSVT Global, and DSMIG to promote the capabilities of people with Down syndrome, guiding best practices, strengthening advocacy efforts, and improving communication abilities. Her work is guided by the knowledge that speech clarity is the path to autonomous independence for those of all abilities.
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Financial Disclosures: Jennifer Gray received an honorarium for presenting this course. She also receives compensation for continuing education courses, presentations, consulting and coaching services, and from sales of authored materials and courses. She owns private practices in Colorado and Texas through which she provides clinical and consultation services.
Non-Financial Disclosures: Jennifer Gray serves as the acting chair of the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG) Therapy Workgroup. She collaborates with organizations including GiGi's Playhouse and LSVT Global in support of advocacy and best practices for individuals with Down syndrome.
Sponsor Disclosure: This Course is presented by SpeechPathology.com, a Continued site.
Content Disclosure: This learning event does not focus exclusively on any specific product or service.
Course participation information
To ensure you are ready to participate, please complete our short Test Drive to prepare your computer to view the course.
NOTE: Full attendance for all courses is mandatory. For self-study courses, this includes reading the full text, listening to the full audio recording, or watching the complete video, as appropriate for the format of the course.
Passing an online exam and completing a course evaluation will be required to earn continuing education credit.
Live Webinars allow presenter and participant interaction. The exam and course evaluation for these courses must be completed within 7 days of the event.
On-demand courses include texts, video and audio recordings of live webinars, and multimedia formats. The exam and course evaluation for on-demand courses must be completed within 30 days of course registration.
To participate in the course, complete the exam and course evaluation, and earn continuing education credit, you must be a SpeechPathology.com member. Participants must complete the entire course; partial credit is not allowed.
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American Speech-Language-Hearing Assn.
Introductory Level
0.10 ASHA CEUs
California Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Board
SpeechPathology.com is approved by the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board as a Continuing Professional Development Provider, approval number PDP 268. This course may meet the requirements for 1.00 hours of continuing education credit for speech-language pathologists as required by the California Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Board. The responsibility for determining whether or not this specific course counts toward an individual's requirements for license renewal is up to the individual. Please refer to the CA state board rules regarding allowable topics and self-study limits: https://www.speechandhearing.ca.gov/licensees/slp-au_cpd_req.shtml Live webinars on SpeechPathology.com are not included in the self-study limit under California professional development guidelines.
International Association for Continuing Education and Training
Continued, LLC, DBA SpeechPathology.com, is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). Continued complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, Continued is authorized to issue the IACET CEU. continued, LLC, is authorized by IACET to offer 0.10 CEUs for this program.
Illinois Early Intervention Training Program
The Illinois Early Intervention Training Program has approved this event for 1.00 hours of EI credential credit. See http://www.illinoiseitraining.org/page.aspx?module=15 for information about credit areas.
Kansas Dept for Aging and Disability Services
Approved for 1.00 continuing education clock hour(s) for Kansas licensed Speech Pathologists by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. Long-Term Sponsorship number: LTS-S1370.
Speech-Language and Audiology Canada
Clinically certified members of Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC) can accumulate continuing education equivalents (CEEs) for their participation with SpeechPathology.com. One hour of coursework equals 1 CEE. All SAC members are encouraged to participate in on-going education.