Evidence-based decision-making in the treatment of speech, language, and communication disorders in Down syndrome: A scoping review

This scoping review examined available scientific evidence according to the PRISMA-ScR guideline on the subject of treatment interventions by speech and language therapists of speech, language, and communication needs in people with Down syndrome. A literature search in PubMed, Embase, Cinahl, Cochrane, and Web of Science yielded 41 studies suitable for inclusion. All studies examined the effect of an intervention in speech, language or communicative behaviour, alone or in combination. Most studies were conducted among children, only four were conducted among adults. Twenty-three studies (49%) found statistically significant results. This review may encourage speech and language therapists to incorporate scientific evidence in making their treatment choices. Furthermore, it may inform health care professionals about potential speech and language treatments that can help people with Down syndrome in developing and maintaining their communicative skills. However, future research is needed because little research has been done in this area so far.