Down Syndrome & Developmental Disabilities
“Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. These conditions begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.”
Lighthouse Speech & Language
Evaluation and Treatment for Down Syndrome and Developmental Disabilities
Common developmental disabilities include Down Syndrome, intellectual disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and cerebral palsy. Evaluations may include administering standardized tests, as well as questionnaires and profiles such as the Functional Communication Profile. Treatment for children with developmental disabilites is the same at Lighthouse Speech & Language as treatment for the general population. All areas of speech and language are assessed, goals and objectives are written to address weaknesses, and therapeutic interventions are taught in the natural environment in order to generalize concepts. Parents are informed of therapeutic techniques so that they can carryover learning to the home.
Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) services are available for children who have complex communication needs (CCN) and demonstrate minimal speech that is not functional for communication. AAC can also be used to provide a model for putting words together to make sentences for increased communication.
Jackie brings more than 25 years of experience, expertise, and a team approach to diagnosing and treating your child with Down Syndrome and Developmental Disabilities.