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How Bilingualism Can Enhance Language Development in Children with Down Syndrome

How Bilingualism Can Enhance Language Development in Children with Down Syndrome

In the ever-evolving field of special education, one of the most intriguing and underexplored areas is the impact of bilingualism on children with Down syndrome (DS). The study "Language Learning in Four Bilingual Children with Down Syndrome: A Detailed Analysis of Vocabulary and Morphosyntax" provides invaluable insights that can guide practitioners in supporting bilingual language development in children with DS.

The research by Feltmate and Kay-Raining Bird (2008) delves into the morphosyntactic and vocabulary skills in both English and French of four bilingual children with DS. It compares their abilities with those of typically developing bilingual children and monolingual children with DS. The findings are both encouraging and informative, showing that children with DS can indeed develop functional skills in a second language without detrimental effects on their first language.

Key Findings

Implications for Practitioners

For practitioners, these findings underscore the importance of supporting bilingual environments for children with DS. Here are some actionable steps based on the research:

Further Research

While the study provides a solid foundation, further research is essential to understand the long-term impacts of bilingualism on language development in children with DS. Practitioners are encouraged to stay informed about ongoing research and contribute to the body of knowledge through their observations and case studies.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Language Learning in Four Bilingual Children with Down Syndrome: A Detailed Analysis of Vocabulary and Morphosyntax.


Citation: Feltmate, K., & Kay-Raining Bird, E. (2008). Language learning in four bilingual children with Down syndrome: A detailed analysis of vocabulary and morphosyntax. Canadian Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, 32(1), 1-68.
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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