Speech & Language FAQs

You can find more information on this subject in our publications section on Speech and Language. This includes a leaflet called "Speech, Language and Communication for children with Down's syndrome: Top 20 Questions!" which you may find useful.

Alternatively if you have a question call our Information team and they may be able to help.

1. I have been told my new baby will find it hard to learn to talk, is this right?
All children with Down's syndrome find it hard to learn some aspects of speech, language and communication. Some children experience severe speech and language problems whereas other children find it less of a challenge. Some children will have more difficulty with developing their grammar; others will find it hardest to develop clear speech. We know that children with Down's syndrome have a predictable profile of communication difficulties and this helps us to tackle these difficulties from an early age, offering them the best possible start to develop good communication skills. Whilst we know what their challenges are likely to be, we are also beginning to understand what we can do to help.