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Host Oneness Sankara talks with speech therapist Cathy Johnston from the Lejeune Clinic about what parents really need to know about communication for children with Down syndrome (T21).
What you'll learn:
Key takeaways:
Resources: Lejeune Clinic - Makaton - Hanen "It Takes Two to Talk" - Speech and Language UK
About Cathy Johnston: 20+ years as speech therapist specialising in under-5s with Down syndrome. Works with Lejeune Clinic + NHS, focusing on early intervention and family support.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
00:53 Cathy Johnston introduction
02:40 Kathy's background
05:17 Parents' biggest communication worries
11:00 Speech vs communication
15:20 Why speech matters emotionally
20:00 Speech-biased society
23:00 Rhythm, music, vocalizing
27:00 Speech anatomy
30:00 Down syndrome speech challenges
32:00 Brain development/neuroplasticity
35:00 Early intervention reality
38:00 Parent advocacy balance
42:00 Communication as team effort
52:00 Makaton + visual tools
55:00 Parent-child interaction
60:00 Closing reassurance
#DownSyndrome #T21 #SpeechTherapy #SEND #Parenting
Resources Mentioned:
Part of T21 Alchemy: Black SEND parenting, disability inclusion, and theatre storytelling.
Instagram: @t21alchemy
Supported by Arts Council England
T21 Alchemy podcast episodes and theatre R&D supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Support the show
Stay connected with T21 Alchemy: @t21alchemy @thepurposementor on Instagram
By Oneness SankaraHost Oneness Sankara talks with speech therapist Cathy Johnston from the Lejeune Clinic about what parents really need to know about communication for children with Down syndrome (T21).
What you'll learn:
Key takeaways:
Resources: Lejeune Clinic - Makaton - Hanen "It Takes Two to Talk" - Speech and Language UK
About Cathy Johnston: 20+ years as speech therapist specialising in under-5s with Down syndrome. Works with Lejeune Clinic + NHS, focusing on early intervention and family support.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
00:53 Cathy Johnston introduction
02:40 Kathy's background
05:17 Parents' biggest communication worries
11:00 Speech vs communication
15:20 Why speech matters emotionally
20:00 Speech-biased society
23:00 Rhythm, music, vocalizing
27:00 Speech anatomy
30:00 Down syndrome speech challenges
32:00 Brain development/neuroplasticity
35:00 Early intervention reality
38:00 Parent advocacy balance
42:00 Communication as team effort
52:00 Makaton + visual tools
55:00 Parent-child interaction
60:00 Closing reassurance
#DownSyndrome #T21 #SpeechTherapy #SEND #Parenting
Resources Mentioned:
Part of T21 Alchemy: Black SEND parenting, disability inclusion, and theatre storytelling.
Instagram: @t21alchemy
Supported by Arts Council England
T21 Alchemy podcast episodes and theatre R&D supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Support the show
Stay connected with T21 Alchemy: @t21alchemy @thepurposementor on Instagram