| Much research has involved siblings of individuals with disabilities, but very little research has focused on the communication competence of individuals with Down Syndrome. This study surveyed 25 individuals who have a sibling with Down Syndrome. Participants and their siblings ranged from 10 to 64 years of age. Participants rated communication competence indicators borne from the professional literature. Results indicated that siblings of persons with Down Syndrome rated social communication skills as the most important, and the mechanics of communication (i.e., articulation, grammar, syntax) as the least important. No differences were found for hearing status, age, or gender of the siblings with Down Syndrome, but communication competence indicators were rated highest among those with a mild or moderate intellectual disability. Results have significant implications for speech-language services for persons with Down Syndrome. |
