Speech development plays a crucial role in enhancing cognitive and social skills for individuals with Down syndrome. This course will demonstrate how appropriate therapeutic techniques and principles of neuroplasticity facilitate the simultaneous development of speech and language. Combined with Down syndrome-specific strategies and evidence-based dosage, effective verbal communication is possible. As a result of the course, participants with be able to choose functional strategies that improve access to education, internal motivation, and confidence.
This course is Part 2 of a three-part series, but can also be taken as a stand-alone learning experience. Part 1: Establishing Communication Expectations for Young Children With Down Syndrome (Course# 11464) Part 3: Planning and Preparation: Down Syndrome Has a Future (Course# TBD).
Live Webinar
Thu, Jun 4, 2026 at 12:00 pm EDTCEUs/Hours Offered: ASHA/0.1 Intermediate, Professional; Calif SLPAB/1.0; IACET/0.1; Kansas LTS-S1370/1.0; SAC/1.0
Learning Outcomes
- After this course, participants will be able to analyze the critical connection between early vocalization, speech imitation, and future language skills, including grammar and syntax, phonological awareness, and social communication.
- After this course, participants will be able to differentiate between active and passive intervention models for individuals with Down syndrome to determine their specific impact on executive function, cognitive load, and communicative autonomy.
- After this course, participants will be able to select evidence-based resources that transition learners from no-speech communication to verbal language systems to facilitate advanced cognition and social engagement.
Agenda
| 0-5 Minutes | Introduction and Brief Review of Part 1 |
| 5-15 Minutes | How Speech Drives Language Following a Typical Developmental Trajectory |
| 15-45 Minutes | Strength-Based Intervention Strategies That Work Within the Down Syndrome Communication Profile |
| 45-50 Minutes | The Importance of Neuroplasticity and Dosage for Functional Outcomes |
| 50-55 Minutes | Summary |
| 55-60 Minutes | 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.
More
Sarah Bookout
SLPD CCC-SLP
Sarah Bookout, SLPD, is a speech-language pathologist committed to supporting clear, functional communication across the lifespan. She earned her Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology from Northwestern University and is a partner at GraySpeak Therapy (Connected Speech), serving clients in Texas and Colorado. Sarah specializes in working with teens and adults with Down syndrome and provides coaching for families and caregivers to support real-life communication success. She consults with GiGi’s Playhouse in Houston and Arizona and collaborates with LSVT on research-driven communication projects. She has presented at the past three conventions and is passionate about increasing independence, connection, and every person’s ability to be heard.
More
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.
Financial Disclosures: Sarah Bookout received an honorarium for presenting this course. She is the owner and partner of GraySpeak Therapy (Connected Speech), a private practice in Texas and Colorado. No additional financial relationships were disclosed.
Non-Financial Disclosures: Sarah Bookout serves as a communication consultant for GiGi's Playhouse in Houston and Arizona, where she supports programming for individuals with Down syndrome. She also collaborates with LSVT on research-driven communication projects. No additional non-financial relationships were disclosed.
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.
SpeechPathology.com is committed to ensuring accessibility to the widest possible audience. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone. If you have questions, requests, or would like to report an accessibility-related issue, please email [email protected]. We will review your request and respond in a timely manner.
Visit our Contact us page or give us a call if you have questions.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Assn.
Intermediate 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.
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.