Its hard to talk, but I would like to communicate. Language and communication in children with Down syndrome.

At the KU Leuven, Department Neurosciences, Exp ORL, research is done in close collaboration with the Fontys Paramedische Hogeschool Nijmegen (the Netherlands). The research topic is language and communication in children and adolescents with Down Syndrome (DS). Children with DS are divided in three groups, preschool children (3-6 years), primary school children (7-13 years) and secondary school children (14-21 years). Receptive and expressive vocabulary are assessed. Also syntax and narrative skills are evaluated. The use of spoken language as well as the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), especially key word signing, is registered. With this research, we would like to get better insight in the language and communication abilities of children with DS.

Keywords:language development, communication, children with Down syndrome, AAC, narrative skills, key word signing, vocabulary

Disciplines:Laboratory medicine, Palliative care and end-of-life care, Regenerative medicine, Other basic sciences, Other health sciences, Nursing, Other paramedical sciences, Other translational sciences, Other medical and health sciences