New reading methods for kids with Down syndrome being tested in UK

A well organized trial of new methods of teaching children with Down syndrome to read is underway in the United Kingdom, conducted by DownsEd International. The experiment will finish in summer of 2011 and the results evaluated. Few studies of this kind have been conducted due to lack of funding for Down syndrome when compared to other conditions, like autism, and resistance to change, which is a shame considering how promising  the preliminary results look,

The research team today presented their findings during a symposium on reading at the 3rd European Regional Congress of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities. Dr Kelly Burgoyne, the psychologist leading the study at Down Syndrome Education International, reported that the children in the study made significantly better progress after only 20 weeks of teaching using the specialist programme, when compared to children with Down syndrome receiving ordinary classroom instruction. Dr Burgoyne commented: "This is exciting because it shows that the programme can be effective in a short period of time. We will now continue to follow the children to see if they make further gains in their language and reading skills."

I say, let our methods be informed by solid research and results, and look forward to reading the study when it is available.

Read the entire article at DownsEd International website.