Supporting Communication Every Step of the Way
Speech and Language Therapy
for Children with Down SyndromeAt North West Speech & Language Therapy, we offer specialist support for children with Down Syndrome to help them
build confidence and develop their communication skills. Every child is unique, and our therapy is shaped around their
individual needs, strengths and personality.
We’re proud to have a dedicated speech and language therapist on our team who specialises in working with children with
Down Syndrome. With both personal and professional experience in this area, she brings not only clinical expertise but also
deep understanding, compassion, and commitment to each child and family she supports.
How Does Down Syndrome Affect Speech and Language Development?
Children with Down Syndrome are likely to experience specific differences in how they develop communication skills. While
every child is different, there are some common patterns:
- Delayed expressive language – many children understand more than they can say.
- Reduced speech clarity – this can be due to low muscle tone (hypotonia), differences in oral structure, and hearing
issues.
- Slow vocabulary growth – it can take longer for children with Down Syndrome to build and use new words.
- Grammar and sentence structure – this often develops later than in typically developing children.
- Memory difficulties – challenges with auditory memory can make it harder to learn and recall spoken information.
- Social communication strengths – many children with Down Syndrome are social and enjoy interacting, even if their
language is still emerging.It’s important to remember that every child is an individual. Not every child will show all of these characteristics, and
progress can vary hugely. That’s why it’s so important to work with a speech and language therapist who really
understands Down Syndrome and can adapt therapy accordingly.
Why Work With a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist?
We believe that working with a therapist who has in-depth knowledge of Down Syndrome makes a huge difference. Our
specialist therapist:
- Has personal experience supporting a family member with Down Syndrome, bringing empathy and insight into every
session.
- Has extensive professional experience delivering therapy to children with Down Syndrome across a range of settings,
including homes, nurseries, schools, and groups.
- Uses approaches tailored specifically to the learning profile of children with Down Syndrome, including:
- Visual support (e.g. pictures, symbols, objects)
- Makaton signing to support understanding and expression
- Repetition, rhythm, and routines to help learning stick
- Strategies that reduce pressure and build confidence
- Works closely with families and settings to make sure strategies are used consistently across the week – not just in
therapy.
Choosing a therapist who understands how to support speech, language and communication development specifically in
children with Down Syndrome means you’re giving your child the very best foundation for success.
How We Work
We provide:
- 1:1 assessment and therapy – face-to-face or online
- Ongoing support for families and settings
- Makaton-based communication support
- Therapy sessions funded via EHCPs – we’re experienced in working alongside local authorities and can support with the
paperwork and reviews needed
Our sessions are playful, personalised and always centred around your child’s interests. Whether it’s working on first
words, helping speech clarity, or developing social interaction, we’ll build a therapy plan that fits your child.
Get in Touch
If you're looking for speech and language therapy for a child with Down Syndrome, we're here to help. Whether you’re
funding sessions yourself or through an EHCP, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us to arrange an assessment or to talk through your child’s needs:How We Work
We provide:
- 1:1 assessment and therapy – face-to-face or online
- Ongoing support for families and settings
- Makaton-based communication support
- Therapy sessions funded via EHCPs – we’re experienced in working alongside local authorities and can support with the
paperwork and reviews needed
Our sessions are playful, personalised and always centred around your child’s interests. Whether it’s working on first
words, helping speech clarity, or developing social interaction, we’ll build a therapy plan that fits your child.
Get in Touch
If you're looking for speech and language therapy for a child with Down Syndrome, we're here to help. Whether you’re
funding sessions yourself or through an EHCP, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us to arrange an assessment or to talk through your child’s needs:
