Down syndrome
Down syndrome is genetic distress caused either by the presence of the whole or part of the third copy of chromosome 21, known as Trisomy 21. It is usually linked to delays in physical growth, mild to moderate intellectual impairment and typical facial features. People with Down syndrome have particular problems with the use of spoken language. But they typically can understand much better than they can say and use the language or signals to convey a message. They experience difficulties in understanding information which is presented quickly, and when a complex language is used. These linguistic challenges are found in addition to the issues associated with learning disability and hearing loss (Sugimoto, 2016).
Communication becomes a lot more challenging than it is, due to when and where we want to communicate. Getting rid of distractions like for instance turning the radio or television off, making sure you’ve gotten the attention of them by calling the name of a person and touching them, before starting a conversation can be helpful. When dealing with people with Down syndrome, it is important to use visuals while communicating to overcome the problem of understanding you when you use spoken words. You can use, for instance, signs, written words and objects, actions, pictures, and gestures. For instance, instead of saying an item verbally, you can point at the item for clear clarification on what you are talking about. Talking at a slow pace and giving them more time to respond should also be considered. This gives them more time to process what is being said so that they can respond to the information given.
Down syndromes are associated with symptoms like muscle hypotonia, weak coordination, inadequate body regulation and underdeveloped body function (Albin, 2016). Congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer’s disease, childhood leukaemia and thyroid conditions and additional complications such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes can also be associated with associated Down syndrome. Down syndrome also puts children at risk of other health concerns, therefore regular physical activity is very essential such intervention services have the ability to enhance physical capacity, encourage socialization, show health advantages and offer an incentive for individuals with Down’s syndrome to gain greater quality of life.
AAC comprises of assisted modes of communication requiring additional materials or instruments, and they are divided into high and low-tech. Systems or instruments in low technology include contact books or non-powered tables, written paper words, images, drawing lines and pictograms (Shields, 2010). High-tech systems include voice output communication supports (VOCAs), and personal computer software or laptop software used in communication aids which provides recorded or synthesized voice or written outputs. In fact, the technology requires hardware that enables personal computers or notebooks to be open to communications aids.
Voice output communication aids are electronic devices that allow the user to communicate. A simple voice output communication aid is a pre-recorded message saved in the simplest format that is retrieved when the person who uses the device pushes a button, switch or key. High-tech technologies systems include voice output communication devices, or software for the use of a communication aid. These systems provide recorded and synthesized outputs that are written or are just a voice. They are applications that are used as communication aids in personal computers or notebooks (Winnick, 2017).
These communication aids, also called voice output devices, AAC or VOCAs-voice output communication support employ electronically recorded speech as a communication medium. The phrase and sentences may contain a thousand terms and longer messages may be spread out in individual words or phrases (Ace Centre, 2010). This digital pre-recorded voice synthesized artificial voice or both can be used to produce the speech output. The recording of spoken words directly in communication aid creates digitized messages. Synthesized speech is a computer-generated artificial voice that is much better than before (Ace Center, 2010).
AAC Augmentative and alternative communication is the term that describes the methods used to complement communication for anyone having difficulties speaking and understanding. This aid can be a permanent addition or temporary help to communication. AAC uses gestures, pictures, line drawings, letters and words to include the symbols. This may be used individually or along with other forms of contact. AAC approaches use digital technologies but mostly rely on rendering voice or text to people who find it challenging or impractical for them. This is achieved at varying degrees of difficulty.
Children who use Augmentative and alternative communication have to depend on technology in order to perform their daily activities. This device maintenance can be quite expensive as the components that usually break are touch screens, memory cards, AC adaptors and there wiring. Finding these parts can be hard and usually results in the parents just ending up getting new devices. In addition, purchasing of these devices is also costly as some of the devices depending on the brand can be quite expensive.