Spatial & temporal variability of sibilants in children with down's syndrome

Abstract

This paper presents findings from EPG analysis of word initial /s/ and // in twenty five children with Down's syndrome (DS) and ten cognitively age-matched typically developing children (TD). Spatial and temporal variability measures show evidence of increased variability in all attempts of target /s/ and // for the speakers with DS. The findings also show evidence of high levels of spatial variability in children with DS and typically developing children in perceptually acceptable productions of the target sounds. These findings support previous research that links speech production difficulties in children with DS to impaired speech motor ability.

This report provides a picture of the key issues facing nurses and allied health professionals in the provision of services for children with complex needs across Scotland. It draws on data from four health board areas and links together information from workforce development plans, a survey practitioners and interviews with practitioners and managers.