Profiles of communication disorder in children with velocardiofacial syndrome: Comparison to children with Down syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: To describe communication profiles in children with velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) compared with children with Down syndrome. Methods: Four children with VCFS and four children with Down syndrome underwent cognitive and speech and language assessment. Results: Communication profiles of children with Down syndrome showed a flat profile, indicating all measures were similar and delayed relative to chronological age. Children with VCFS showed vocabulary, pattern of sound types, and Mean Babbling Length below cognitive and other language ages. Conclusion: Communication profiles of children with VCFS differed qualitatively and quantitatively from children with Down syndrome and support the hypothesis that some children with VCFS present with a profile of communication impairment that may be distinctive to the syndrome.