Is stuttering therapy useful for adolescents and adults with Down syndrome who are dysfluent?

Background: People with Down syndrome are known to have specific speech difficulties including dysfluencies. Aims: This paper aims to explore the possibilities of therapeutic intervention for this client group. Methods and procedures: A theoretical discussion of speech and cognition in people with Down syndrome is followed by a qualitative study exploring communication and related issues for 14 young people and their parents. Outcomes and Results: A pattern of immature self and speech-awareness emerged. Negative feelings towards a breakdown in communication were expressed. Conclusions and implications: The pattern of difficulties found suggests that 'traditional' stuttering therapy must be carefully individualized when applied to people with Down syndrome. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license.