Haskins Publications

Number	1220
Year	1998
Drawer	23
Entry Date	08/28/2001
Authors	Fowler, A.E.
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Publication	In Hassold, T.J.& Patterson, D. (eds.). Down Syndrome: A Promising Future, Together Vol. 1. pp. 165-182 New York : John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated
url	http://www.haskins.yale.edu/Reprints/HL1220.pdf
Abstract	[Introduction] In this chapter I will speak to a number of questions about language learning in persons with Down syndrome (DS), informed by recent research. I first consider whether language merits particular concern in DS; despite well-documented success stories, research suggests that persons with DS are at high risk for language difficulty. I then ask whether the linguistic challenges faced by persons with DS can be attributed to across-the-board learning difficulties; this does not seem to be the case, in light of evidence from other neurodevelopmental disorders in which language is not as severely and consistently affected, but where general cognitive function is as impaired as, ore more impaired than, it is in DS. The third question concerns specific areas of weaknesses with language; research suggests that persons with DS are especially vulnerable to difficulties with grammatical function (morphology and syntax), with relative sparing of semantic knowledge (i.e., vocabulary), and with communication skills that extend beyond language per se.
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