The home, school and community environments provide real settings for practicing and using communication skills. The IEP may also include provisions for information, consultation and guidance to parents and classroom teachers. When children are in inclusive settings, the speech-language pathologist may consult with the teacher to provide information about a child's speech and language needs, and may suggest modifications, such as giving your child written rather than verbal instructions for a class worksheet. It is important to stay in regular contact with the speech-language pathologist so that a child can practice speech and language skills. Regular phone contact, a journal or audiotapes can provide that continuous contact.
Parents can also seek additional services as needed.
Parents can provide practice in various speech and language skills. Varied and inclusive experiences help the child and adolescent with Down syndrome continue to acquire and use new communication skills. The speech-language pathologist can provide information and can design a home activities program to help the child practice the communication skills being addressed in therapy. Parent support groups often have speakers who can provide information. There is a wide range of communication abilities in children with Down syndrome.