Early predictors of language outcomes in Down syndrome: A mini-review

ABSTRACT: As children with Down syndrome (DS) typically manifest significant delays in language development, the research has pointed out the predictors of later language skills for this clinical population. The purpose of this study was to systematically explore the evidence for early predictors of language outcomes in infants and toddlers with DS from studies published between 2012 and 2022. After the search, nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated that maternal educational level, adaptive level of functioning, cognitive function, attention skills, communicative intent of the child, early vocalizations, gestures, baby signs, parents’ translation of their children’s gestures into words, and vocabulary level are significant predictors of language outcomes in children with DS.

SUBMITTER: Filipe M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9515620 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature