Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder caused by brain damage. It is characterised by an impairment of language modalities speaking, listening, reading and writing. One of the most disabling consequences of aphasia is the way that it excludes the person from conversation. The needs of children with communication disorder (Down’s syndrome) tend to be different to the needs of other children with learning difficulties, because of their hearing and speech motor difficulties. Children who have Down’s syndrome face complicated challenges in mastering and using speech language and communication skills. With the right opportunities and support they can develop communication skills that help them to make relationships and socialise, communicate wishes needs and aspirations and use language effectively as a tool in all sorts of situations.
People with Down’s syndrome require direct teaching of specific aspects of language and communication skills as well as good language models and general language stimulation to support language learning. Greatest gains in language are usually made when intervention is started early, however people who have Down’s syndrome can benefit from speech and language therapy throughout life. Speech and language therapy focuses on amongst other areas: expressive language, receptive language, ability to understand words spoken to you, and the ability to use words to express oneself. Speech and language therapist will identify and improve abilities with expressive language, functional communication skills, and oral motor feeding issues. They also improve communication through interpersonal interaction, idea expression, obtaining desires, and sharing information.
Speech and language therapy helps people in reducing and coping with communication problems caused by an illness or disorder. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can guide them through relearning the mental and physical aspects of producing speech and having conversations. For people who are unable to regain their speaking abilities completely after recovering from an illness, accident or stroke, therapy can help them to work around their remaining difficulties by teaching them other ways to make themselves understood by using assistive communication technology.
Speech and language therapists work to assess, diagnose and develop a programme of care to maximize the communication skills of individuals who experience speech, language and other communication difficulties. In practice, they do more than just teach an individual to speak. They may also teach someone how to understand and use a range of other skills, such as what non-verbal signals mean and how to take part in a two-way conversation. Speech and language therapists use a wide range of techniques and strategies. For example, they may teach non-verbal children how to use electronic devices or manual signing systems. Therapists evaluate oral-motor skills, sound production, and speech. They also provided treatment intervention to improve strength, coordination, movement, and placement of the tongue, lips, jaw, and cheeks rely on the proper function and structure of the oral areas. Speech-language therapy also delves into cognitive reorganization and other technical areas. They consult with the child’s teacher to determine the most effective methods to assist the child’s communication in school or at day care. At home, they confer with the family to determine the most effective methods to assist the child’s communication. Thereafter, they create goals and procedures for successful therapy at home and at school.
