Language Development and Mobile Apps for Down Syndrome Children

Abstract

Down syndrome is considered to be one of the most prevalent genetic causes of intellectual disability, derived from chromosomal disorder, which accounts for dysfunctions in many organs and has a characteristic phenotype, which consists of physical and behavioral features. Many studies have shown that language is one of the most impaired areas of function in Down syndrome and perhaps, the highest barrier for their substantial inclusion into formal education and community. The aim of this paper is to investigate the specific features of this linguistic phenotype, presenting the strengths and weaknesses of their language, as well as the factors that contribute to their formation, compared to normally developing children. In addition, it scopes to highlight the role of educational mobile apps, as innovative and interactive tools for the developmental learning of Down syndrome children. The results of the research indicate that their language goes through the same, with typical development sequences, but progressively erases a slowing trajectory and results in lower performance. However, the use of mobile apps can significantly improve their cognitive functioning, in order to acquire academic and social skills that will ensure them an independent and quality life.

Unraveling Down Syndrome: From Genetic Anomaly to Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Diagnosis

“…The ability to recall information correlates with syntax interpretation in both modalities, illustrating the relationship between working memory and linguistic acquisition. When compared to verbal working memory, tasks requiring less information or when the visual and spatial components are assessed separately still have little impact on visual and spatial short-term memory [98,99]. Children with Down syndrome have trouble with problemsolving techniques, and as they become older, they take longer to complete planning activities, even when the results are similar to those of children whose mental ages are matched.…”

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Instructional Materials for Enhancing Mathematics Learning Outcomes of Elementary School Students

“…Fundamentally, PBL confronts students with practical problems, often in ill-structured or open-ended formats, coupled with relevant stimuli. This accentuates that the PBL model centers on problem-based learning, providing students with direct experiences that enhance and expand their knowledge, ensuring its applicability in daily life (Karagianni & Drigas, 2022;Khandakar et al, 2020;Sulistiyo et al, 2021). This problem-centric approach resonates deeply with the nature of mathematics education, which seeks to nurture students' problem-solving mental models.…”