The Power of Partnership: Adapting Early Language Intervention for Children With Down Syndrome Through Family‐Researcher Collaboration

What is already known on the subject Speech and language difficulties are well-documented in individuals with Down syndrome, and may benefit from intervention to enable individuals to reach their full potential. Parent-delivered models of intervention hold promise for supporting oral language skills, but very few evidence-based interventions exist for this population. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge Parents of young children with Down syndrome are able to deliver early language intervention in ways which encourage their child's active involvement and enjoyment. Parents identified a range of ways in which early language intervention could be adapted to support implementation and effectiveness. What are the potential or actual clinical implications for this work? Parents are important partners in early language intervention for children with Down syndrome, with much to contribute to the design and delivery of intervention. Findings from this study will guide researchers and clinicians in the process of adapting interventions for this population, with the aim of improving outcomes for children and their families.