Intensive Dysarthria Sessions in Adults and Children With Down Syndrome

This research study is designed to investigate the feasibility and treatment effects of a behavioral speech treatment in adults and children with Down Syndrome (DS) and dysarthria. The speech sessions will provide an intensive, articulation-based intervention focused on increasing effort during speech production via use of "clear speech." A single subject multiple baselines across subjects design will be employed in a total of six subjects divided into two groups of three. Changes in dependent measures will be determined by visual inspection, effect size determination, and time series analysis. The study follows accepted procedures in rehabilitation treatment and research and there are minimal foreseeable risks associated with participation.

Inclusion Criteria: Adults and children with Downs Syndrome and dysarthria Ages 8 years and older Ability to verbally communicate; follow simple commands and/or imitate others; hear speech at a conversational level; and participate in assessment and speech sessions activities Exclusion Criteria: Additional serious medical problems which prevent meaningful participation in the study.