Communication difficulty

Many people with Down syndrome will have some degree of difficulty with receptive language (ie understanding) or expressive language (ie being understood). To improve communication, simplify the language used, add pictures and gestures to convey the meaning of any medical terms used, and communicate directly with the person about their healthcare needs. Aim to build rapport and trust for an effective communication interaction by:

• taking a history directly from the person, as much as possible
• encouraging and empowering the person to take an active role in decision making
• working closely with parents or carers to understand and support the person.

Refer a person with communication disability impacting their speech or language to a speech pathologist for assessment. See also Communicating with people with developmental disability and Making the practice disability friendly with reasonable adjustments.