Abstract
Individuals with Down syndrome are thought to perform poorly on tests of verbal short-term memory, such as measures of word span or digit span. This review critically examines the evidence for a specific deficit in verbal short-term memory in Down syndrome, and outlines a range of possible explanations for such a deficit. The potential implications of a verbal short-term memory impairment for broader aspects of development are outlined, in particular with respect to vocabulary development. Possible intervention strategies, which might improve verbal short-term memory performance in Down syndrome are also considered. However, we argue that further research is needed to fully clarify the nature of a verbal short-term memory deficit in Down syndrome, before the merits of these various intervention approaches can be properly evaluated.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 61-75 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Down's syndrome, research and practice : the journal of the Sarah Duffen Centre / University of Portsmouth |
Volume | 6 |
Issue number | 2 |
Publication status | Published - 1999 |
Keywords
- Articulation Disorders
- Auditory Perception
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Down Syndrome
- Hearing Disorders
- Humans
- Language Tests
- Learning Disorders
- Memory Disorders
- Memory, Short-Term
- Models, Neurological
- Psychomotor Performance
- Speech Disorders
- Verbal Learning