The term syndrome refers to the association of several clinically recognizable features, signs (diagnosed by a doctor), symptoms (reported by the patient / carer), phenomena or characteristics which often occur together. A genetic disorder or genetic syndrome / disorder is a condition caused by abnormalities in genes or chromosomes. Some genetic disorders can occur because of chromosomal abnormalities early in birth development due to errors that occur as the cells are dividing, but are more likely to be caused by a “faulty” recessive gene which may be carried by both healthy parents who reproduce, or an individual parent may carry a defective dominant gene. There are hundreds of different genetic syndromes which can present with a number of features, often including a communication difficulty and developmental delay. Unfortunately, some of these syndromes lead to birth defects, deformities and malformations.
We have displayed just three common syndromes below to show examples of how they can present with communication difficulties:
- Down’s Syndrome – this syndrome often causes an individual to have speech, language and cognitive difficulties.
- Fragile X – this syndrome often presents with speech and language delay, learning difficulties.
- Velocardiofacial syndrome – children with this syndrome may display speech and language delay, specific learning difficulty and sometimes a cleft palate.
Other common syndromes that may present with communication difficulties and developmental delay are williams syndrome, turner syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome.
These are just a few examples of many hundreds of syndromes and we can see the impact they have on speech and communication development. However, there are many programmes, resources and strategies that can be used to help a child with a syndrome overcome some of these communication problems.
Syndromes can present with little or no communication difficulty or at the other extreme, profound communication difficulties. There are many genetic conditions now recognized, with many different factors effecting communication. As the site grows we endeavour to build a catalogue of these disorders and find strategies to help with the communication difficulties they present.
If your child has a communication delay because of a syndrome, check out the rest of the site - which offers a range of advice and resources around enhancing communication, speech, language and offers ideas around alternative forms of communication (see the Child Section for more information). We also have some Key Guidelines to enhance communication between parents, teaching staff and children with communication difficulties or developmental delay. It is also important to contact your local speech and language pathologist/therapist to get expert professional advice and therapy for your child.
To find out more about the range of communication options that you can use to facilitate communication for individuals with special needs, see the Total Communication Folder of our Downloads Centre.
To find more information and resources relating to Special Needs and communication visit our Resource Centre.
You can also look at, and purchase a large variety of books relating to Children with Special Needs, and facilitating the communication, learning, and behaviour of individuals with special needs, at our Online BookShop.
Our Web Resources page contains links to associations and groups that can provide further information.
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icommunicate Guide 
