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This is the website for See and Speech which is technology that allows the children with down syndrome to develop their speech. See and Learn Speech is an evidence-based program designed to help children with Down syndrome develop spoken language skills and clearer speech. This website discusses briefly the way it works and how teachers/parents can purchase and introduce this resource into their student's learning.

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See and Learn Speech is an evidence-based program designed to help children with Down syndrome develop spoken language skills and clearer speech.

See and Learn Speech is designed to teach children with Down syndrome to hear and produce speech sounds (phonemes), to hear the differences between sounds (discrimination), to develop their speech sound system (phonology), and to produce clear speech. It can also help children to identify sounds in words (phonological awareness) which is important for reading.

See and Learn Speech is based on what is understood about how typically developing children learn to say words and what we know about the speech difficulties of children with Down syndrome . Speech and language development are inextricably linked and improving speech skills should benefit word and sentence learning and using spoken language to communicate.

See and Learn Speech offers a structured approach to support speech development, working in small steps towards clearer speech production and practicing skills including:

becoming familiar with speech sounds - storing sounds in the memory system

discriminating between speech sounds - hearing the differences between sounds

producing speech sounds - individual sounds and simple combinations

saying words - saying words that begin with a particular sound

saying more complex words - saying words that have one, two, three and four syllables and putting words together

See and Learn Speech is designed to be used alongside See and Learn Language and Reading , which supports the teaching of vocabulary and grammar and introduces children to reading. Many children with Down syndrome will learn the meaning of new words more quickly than they learn to say them clearly. We therefore recommend that activities to develop and practice spoken language are provided in addition to activities to teach vocabulary and grammar. Slower progress in learning to speak should not prevent opportunities to continue learning new language skills.

Steps

See and Learn Speech currently includes five steps, with two further steps planned. Each step focuses on the development of specific speech skills through a series of activities. Subsequent steps build on the skills learned in previously completed steps. The activities are intended to complement the many speech development opportunities that occur naturally throughout a child's day.

When to start

See and Learn Speech is designed to support speech development for babies and children with Down syndrome from 6 months of age through to primary/elementary school years. See and Learn Speech may also be helpful for other children with similar speech, language and learning needs.

Apps, kits or both

The steps in See and Learn Speech available as kits and as apps for a variety of platforms .

For home and school

See and Learn programs include step-by-step instructions, ready-to-use teaching materials, and all the information needed to understand and implement them. They are designed to be easy for parents to use at home and to be suitable for use in early intervention services, nurseries, preschools and schools.

How to buy

See and Learn kits can be purchased from our online store .

See and Learn Speech apps can be purchased from the following app stores:

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See and Learn Speech is an evidence-based program designed to help children with Down syndrome develop spoken language skills and clearer speech. See and Learn Speech is designed to teach children with Down syndrome to hear and produce speech sounds (phonemes), to hear the differences between sounds (discrimination), to develop their speech sound system (phonology), and to produce clear speech.

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Whether you are a parent, teacher, or a person with Down Syndrome, this article has something for you to learn from! This resource is an article compiling the best book and written resources about down syndrome and different topics relating to it. Additionally, there is a great section for teaching others about down syndrome.

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The very best books related to Down syndrome, for parents and professionals. Memoirs, education, sexuality, behavior and more.

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They provide information, advocacy and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome, and work to create a national climate in which all people will recognize and embrace the value and dignity of people with Down syndrome.

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The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) is pleased to announce the recently elected 2023-24 Board of Directors Executive Committee (EC) members as well as our new Interim Executive Director (ED). Sean J. Smith, NDSC president, stated, "We are excited to have Stephanie Smith Lee step in as our Interim Executive Director, her experience supporting the Down syndrome community and love of NDSC as a parent, past board member, professionally and as a current member of our policy team all equip her to help take the NDSC to the next level. We are also excited about what this group of executive committee members, as both parents and professionals, bring to the NDSC and the community we serve." Below, we share the names and contact information for the members of the EC and include brief bios of our Interim ED and new NDSC President. Click here to learn more.

The National Down Syndrome Congress is dedicated to an improved world for individuals with Down syndrome. We are the leading national resource of support and information for anyone touched by or seeking to learn about Down syndrome.
Educate. Advocate. Empower. Inspire.

Join NDSC today!

Become a member of the leading national organization providing information for anyone touched by or seeking to learn about Down syndrome.
Create your FREE member profile

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The purpose of the NDSC is to promote the interests of people with Down syndrome and their families through advocacy, public awareness, and information. When we empower individuals and families from all demographic backgrounds, we reshape the way people understand and experience Down syndrome.

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5 Strategies for Students with Down Syndrome!

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5 Strategies for Students with Down Syndrome!

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1.  Teaching reading to students with Down syndrome should be characterized by a strong emphasis on visual learning. Visual demonstrations, pictures and illustrations can also be successfully used to assist in providing effective instruction in other subject areas of the curriculum. (NCSE)
2. The use of manipulatives and activity learning can be beneficially employed in the development of number concepts. Visually-based mathematic materials have been developed with particular reference to the learning strengths and needs of the student with Down syndrome.(Bentley et al., 2016) Using physical manipulatives in math can also encourage the practice of fine and gross motor skills and development of muscle.
3. All teaching and learning opportunities should be characterized by high expectations and predictability.
4. Speak directly to the student, using clear language and short sentences, and use appropriate and unambiguous facial expressions. As well as give them adequate time to respond to your questions or comments.
5. Students with Down syndrome generally demonstrate good social skills, which can be constructively utilized to increase learning and teaching opportunities. Try to create opportunities to complete activities with other students and be able to learn from their behavior

Work Cited:
National Council for Special Education. (n.d.). Strategies for learning and teaching. National Council for Special Education - CPD and In-School Support. Retrieved February 18, 2022, from https://www.sess.ie/categories/assessed-syndromes/downs-syndrome/tips-learning-and-teaching#:~:text=Students%20with%20Down%20syndrome%20have%20strong%20visual%20learning%20modalities.&text=Directly%20teach%20timetables%2C%20routines%20and,appropriate%20and%20unambiguous%20facial%20expressions.

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Every child and person with Down Syndrome has different experiences and symptoms. However, Down syndrome affects kids' ability to learn in different ways, and most have mild to moderate intellectual disability About half of all kids also have problems with hearing and vision. Hearing loss can be related to fluid buildup in the inner ear or to structural problems of the ear itself. .

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Kids with Down syndrome tend to share physical features such as a flat facial profile, an upward slant to the eyes, small ears, and a tongue that sticks out. At birth, kids with Down syndrome are smaller than other newborns, and they tend to grow at a slower rate and remain smaller than their peers.

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Down syndrome is a condition in which a baby is born with an extra chromosome. The extra chromosome causes delays in the way a child develops, mentally and physically.

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What Is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a condition in which a baby is born with an extra chromosome. The extra

chromosomecauses delays in the way a child develops, mentally and physically.

The physical features and medical problems linked to Down syndrome can vary widely from child to child. While some kids need a lot of medical attention, others lead healthy lives.

Down syndrome, also called trisomy 21, can't be prevented. But the health problems that may happen can be treated, and many resources are available to help kids and their families.

What Causes Down Syndrome?

Normally, at the time of conception a baby inherits genetic information from its parents in 46 chromosomes: 23 from the mother and 23 from the father. Chromosomes contain hundreds, or even thousands, of genes. Genes carry the information that determine traits passed on from our parents (like hair or eye color).

In most cases of Down syndrome, a child gets an extra chromosome 21 - for a total of 47 chromosomes instead of 46. Sometimes, only part of chromosome 21 attaches to another chromosome. This extra genetic material causes the physical features and developmental delays in Down syndrome.

No one knows for sure why the condition happens and there's no way to prevent the chromosomal error that causes it.

How Can Down Syndrome Affect Kids?

Kids with Down syndrome tend to share physical features such as a flat facial profile, an upward slant to the eyes, small ears, and a tongue that sticks out.

Low muscle tone (called hypotonia) is also common in kids with Down syndrome. Though this can and often does improve over time, most children will reach developmental milestones - like sitting up, crawling, and walking - later than other kids. Low muscle tone may also contribute to sucking and feeding problems, as well as gastroesophageal reflux and constipation.

At birth, kids with Down syndrome are smaller than other newborns, and they tend to grow at a slower rate and remain smaller than their peers. Toddlers and older kids may have delays in speech and self-care skills like feeding, dressing, and using the toilet.

Down syndrome affects kids' ability to learn in different ways, but most have mild to moderate intellectual disability. Kids can and do learn, and can develop skills throughout their lives. They just reach goals at a different pace. So it's important not to compare a child with Down syndrome to typically developing siblings or even other children with the condition.

Kids with Down syndrome have a wide range of abilities, and there's no way to tell at birth what they can do as they grow up.

What Medical Problems Can Happen With Down Syndrome?

Some kids with Down syndrome have no serious health problems. But others may have a mix of medical issues that need extra care. Many go to clinics that specialize in caring for those with Down syndrome. If you don't have a Down syndrome clinic in your area, your doctor will help coordinate care for your child.

Almost half of all children born with Down syndrome will have a congenital heart defect. All infants with Down syndrome should be checked by a pediatric cardiologist.

About half of all kids also have problems with hearing and vision. Hearing loss can be related to fluid buildup in the inner ear or to structural problems of the ear itself. Vision problems commonly include strabismus (eyes don't line up), nearsightedness or farsightedness, and cataracts.

Vison and hearing problems can affect language and learning. Regular checkups by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor), audiologist, and an ophthalmologist can find and correct any problems.

Children may need to see other medical specialists, depending on their needs. Medical problems that happen more often with Down syndrome include:

thyroid problems

stomach and intestinal problems, including celiac disease

breathing problems, including sleep apnea and asthma

obesity

infections, including ear infections and pneumonia

childhood leukemia

People with Down syndrome sometimes have an unstable upper spine and should be checked by a doctor every year or sooner if they have symptoms, such as neck pain, walking funny, or loss of bladder or bowel control. Some children may need neck X-rays before playing some sports or before getting anesthesia.

How Is Down Syndrome Diagnosed?

Two types of prenatal tests can look for Down syndrome in a fetus:

1. Screening tests estimate the chances that a fetus has Down syndrome.

2. Diagnostic tests can tell if the fetus actually has the condition.

Screening tests are cost-effective and easy to do. But they can't give a definitive answer about whether a baby has Down syndrome. So these tests are used to help parents decide whether to have more diagnostic tests.

Diagnostic tests accurately diagnose Down syndrome and other chromosomal problems. But they're done inside the uterus, so there is a risk of miscarriage and other complications.

If you're unsure about which test, if any, is right for you, your doctor or a genetic counselor can help you sort through the pros and cons of each.

Screening tests include:

Nuchal translucency testing. This test is done between weeks 11-14 of pregnancy. It uses ultrasound to measure the clear space in the folds of tissue behind a developing baby's neck. Babies with Down syndrome and other chromosomal problems tend to have fluid buildup there, making the space look larger. To calculate the odds that the baby has Down syndrome, doctors use this measurement, along with the mother's age (pregnant women age 35 and older are more likely to have a baby with Down syndrome), and the baby's gestational age.

the triple screen or quadruple screen (also called the multiple marker test)

Integrated screen. This uses results from first-trimester screening tests (with or without nuchal translucency) and blood tests with a second trimester quadruple screen to come up with the most accurate screening results.

Cell free DNA. This test analyzes fetal DNA found in the mother's blood. It can be done in the first trimester and is more accurate at finding trisomy 21 than standard blood tests. Currently, cell free DNA testing is only offered to women with a higher risk of having a baby with Down syndrome.

Diagnostic tests include:

If the doctor suspects Down syndrome after a baby is born, a karyotype - a blood or tissue sample stained to show chromosomes grouped by size, number, and shape - can verify the diagnosis.

How Can Parents Help?

If your child has Down syndrome, you may at first have feelings of loss, guilt, and fear. Talking with other parents of kids with Down syndrome may help you deal with your concerns and find ways to look toward the future. Many parents find that learning as much as they can about the condition helps ease fears.

Children with Down syndrome benefit from getting early intervention services as soon as possible. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can help, and early childhood educators can work with your child to encourage and boost development.

States provide early intervention services to kids with disabilities from birth to age 3. Check with your doctor, developmental pediatrician, or a social worker to find resources in your area.

When a child is 3 years old, they're guaranteed educational services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Under IDEA, local school districts must provide "a free appropriate education in the least restrictive environment" and an individualized education program (IEP) for each child.

Where to send your child to school can be a hard decision. The needs of some kids with Down syndrome are best met in a specialized program. But many kids with Down syndrome go to school and enjoy the same activities as other kids their age. Being in a regular classroom (known as inclusion), when appropriate, is good for both the child with Down syndrome and the other kids.

A few kids with Down syndrome go on to college. Many transition to semi-independent living. Others continue to live at home but hold jobs and find their own success in the community.

Your school district's child study team can work with you to find what's best for your child. All decisions about your child's education should involve your input, as you are your child's best advocate.

You also can find more information and support online at:

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Down syndrome is a condition in which a baby is born with an extra chromosome. The extra chromosomecauses delays in the way a child develops, mentally and physically. The physical features and medical problems linked to Down syndrome can vary widely from child to child.

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These forms are used to determine if special education services are required and if the student has a mild mental disability. Each form has set requirements and checklists of criteria to determine the eligibility of a student. (Ex. Cognitive functioning has 2 standard deviations below the mean or their adaptive behavior is two standard deviations below the mean. )

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Attached here are the eligibility and monitoring forms for Mild Mental Disability.