Comprehensive Guide to Intellectual Disabilities, Down Syndrome, Fragile X, and ADHD for SLPs

Intellectual Disability (ID)

A developmental condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior with onset before age 22.

Adaptive Behavior

The conceptual, social, and practical skills needed for everyday functioning.

Strengths-Based Intervention

An approach that emphasizes an individual's abilities, interests, and goals rather than deficits.

Role of the SLP in ID

SLPs do not diagnose ID but assess communication skills and contribute to treatment planning.

Assessment Modifications in ID

Using nonstandard administration such as visual supports or modified instructions to improve accessibility.

Functional Communication Goals

Goals focused on real-life communication that promote independence and self-sufficiency.

Down Syndrome

A genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21).

Trisomy 21

The presence of a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21.

Down Syndrome Language Profile

Receptive language stronger than expressive language with delayed syntax and intelligibility issues.

Hearing Loss in Down Syndrome

Common condition affecting about two-thirds of children with Down syndrome.

Fragile X Syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by a mutation on the X chromosome and the most common inherited cause of ID.

Fragile X Gender Differences

More severe in males; females often have milder symptoms.

Fragile X Cognitive Weaknesses

Working memory, attention, inhibition control, and sequential processing.

Fragile X Communication Style

Tangential, perseverative language with difficulty maintaining coherent discourse.

Narrative Skills in Fragile X

A relative strength in adolescents and young adults.

Executive Functioning (EF)

A set of cognitive processes that support planning, attention, problem-solving, and self-regulation.

Attention (EF)

The ability to orient, sustain, and selectively focus on information.

Working Memory

The ability to temporarily store and manipulate information.

Inhibition Control

The ability to control impulses and ignore irrelevant information.

Cognitive Flexibility

The ability to shift thinking or behavior in response to changing demands.

Executive Dysfunction

A breakdown in EF skills that interferes with daily functioning and life participation.

Populations with EF Deficits

ADHD, ASD, learning disabilities, brain injury, dementia, and psychological disorders.

SLPs and Executive Functioning

SLPs assess and treat EF deficits as part of functional communication goals.

Classroom Supports for EF

Visual schedules, extra time, reduced distractions, and organizational tools.

ADHD

A developmental disorder marked by inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning.

ADHD Presentations

Inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined type.

Inattentive ADHD Characteristics

Difficulty focusing, organizing tasks, following instructions, and maintaining attention.

Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD Characteristics

Fidgeting, impulsivity, excessive talking, and difficulty waiting.

Covert ADHD Symptoms

Hidden symptoms such as emotional dysregulation, hyperfocus, time blindness, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

ADHD Diagnostic Criteria

Symptoms before age 12, lasting at least 6 months, present in multiple settings, and impairing functioning.

ADHD Medication Treatment

Stimulant or non-stimulant medications used to manage symptoms.

Behavioral Treatment for ADHD

CBT, psychotherapy, social skills training, and academic accommodations.

Neurodiversity Movement

The perspective that neurological differences like ADHD are natural variations of human diversity.

SLP Support for ADHD

Focuses on environmental supports, self-advocacy, and functional participation rather than normalization.