Investigating the Use of Gestures Among Children with Down Syndrome in India

Abstract

Introduction: Gesture is a form of non-verbal communication. Down syndrome (DS) is one of the most common congenital syndromes in which speech and language deficits are prominent. Earlier studies have revealed mixed results regarding the advanced use of gestures among children with DS in Western literature. Indian culture influences parent-child interactions and gesture use differently. This study aims to assess whether a gesture advantage exists among DS children in the Indian context. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 5 Tamil-speaking children with DS and 5 typically developing (TD) language-age-matched controls were observed. Their spontaneous interactions with their mothers were analyzed for type and frequency of gestures and gesture-word combinations using a checklist. Results: Except for the frequency of deictic (requesting, giving) gestures, all the other gestures, namely deictic (pointing, showing), symbolic and representational gestures, and word-gesture combinations (equivalent, complementary, and supplementary) were observed much less frequently in DS children, although only pointing had a statistical significance. Also, fewer types of gestures were observed among DS children. Conclusion: Children with DS in the Indian context do not exhibit a gesture advantage. This study highlights the importance of gesture assessment and intervention among these children.

Keywords

• Gesture development
• Gesture advantage
• Culture
• Language delay
• Down syndrome