Communication Skills in Children With Down Syndrome: A Guide for Parents (Topics in Down Syndrome) (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The ability to communicate effectively is critical to the happiness of all children but may be particularly challenging for a child with Down Syndrome. This work, an excellent supplement to a previous compilation, Babies with Down Syndrome (Woodbine House, 1986), focuses specifically on how parents can maximize the communication skills of a child with Down Syndrome. Speech and language pathologist Kumin traces the development of communication skills from infancy through early adolescence, describing the problems that might arise during each stage and suggesting a wide range of home-based activities to help. Also discussed are the formal and informal methods of evaluating a child's communication ability, the interpretation of test results, and the range of professional services available. Each chapter concludes with an excellent annotated resource guide. This comprehensive and supportive text is highly recommended for parenting and health collections.
- Linda Cullum, Lake Superior State Univ. Lib., Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

"Children with Down Syndrome have a wide range of speech and language abilities, just as other children do," Kumin says in pointing out the problems such children face, along with new teaching techniques and available treatments. Kumin's terminology is formal at first, but as she guides parents through specific activities, her tone grows warmer and more encouraging. In explaining how helpful a speech-language pathologist can be in working with the child, she also leads parents to professional help and community support while teaching them how to share basic communication skills with the child at home. Denise Perry Donavin

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Product Details

• Paperback: 241 pages
• Publisher: Woodbine House; illustrated edition edition (January 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0933149530
• ISBN-13: 978-0933149533
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #558,002 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great resource for parents and teachers, March 14, 2002

By	Thomas Paul (Plainview, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Children with Down Syndrome are often delayed in developing speech but can compensate for this delay by using sign language and other skills in a technique called Total Communication. This guide provides a wealth of information about speech and language development in children with Down syndrome. Parents learn what to expect as communication skills progress from infancy through early adolescence, how Down syndrome can affect those skills, and what they can do to maximize their child's potential in this crucial area of development. This book was recommended by our son's speech therapist.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, February 12, 2006

By	Lily Belle (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews

A great book that really gives you step by step ideas on how to encourage language. You can apply these ideas to children with Down Syndrome, as well as typically developing children with language delays.

6 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a guide for parents (Topics in Down Syndrome, June 18, 2000

By	anna c (USA) - See all my reviews

I think this is a wonderful book that not only explains whatDown Syndrome is but how beautiful it is and how special it is . Ibelieve that everyone should get this book for someone who has or knows a parent that cares for a down syndrome baby.