THREE-YEAR-OLD Joanna is the oldest in her class and proud mum Judy says groups like Sparkles are 'absolutely vital' for children with the condition.

"Our little girl is just beginning speaking out words for the first time," explained Judy, who is also chairman of Sparkles. "It makes such a difference."

More than 450 people in Bucks have Down's Syndrome and the condition is caused by an extra chromosome in the person's genetic make up.

Down's Syndrome Awareness Week, which runs until Friday, aims to make people aware that each person with the syndrome is an individual in their own right, all having their own personalities, skills and problems they have to deal with.

The syndrome has a number of associated medical problems such as vision and hearing defects, heart abnormalities and an increased risk of infection.

Another big aspect of the condition is a speech disorder.

Judy, of Mary's Mead, Hazlemere, said it is very hard for children with Down's Syndrome to get regular speech therapy for pre-school children.

Sparkles, based in High Wycombe, is the result of some local families who decided to do something about it.

Sparkles, which is funded by donations and meets once a week, was set up in May 1999 by the parents of three children with Down's Syndrome who were concerned that their children would be on a long NHS waiting list for speech therapy.

"Speech is so important to these children as most go into main stream schools," said Judy.

"The therapy helps them cope when they are there. They do have some special work programmes but for the main they are with other children and they need to interact."

"As well as that, it builds up their confidence and teaches them all sorts of communication skills."

Current research in this country and internationally has highlighted that young children with Down's Syndrome often do well in the development of early communication such as calling for attention.

However, because of poor oral skills and difficulties in remembering what they have heard, the children usually struggle to develop spoken language.

Judy said the Sparkles speech and language therapist Sue Madraszek aims to make the sessions fun to help the children remember.

She said: "It's all done in little games and interesting, fun things. She uses toys and colourful equipment to teach the children."

There are currently 14 children in the group and they start from about a year old up until they go to school.

The aims of the group are, as well as speech and language, to improve attention and listening skills, encourage turn-taking and extend auditory memory.

Judy said she gets great feedback from the children and the parents.

"People are so grateful to be part of a group. Its not just speech therapy, it's also a support group."

One parent said: "Seeing how much progress my son has made since starting Sparkles gives me a great deal of hope for his further ability to communicate. Being in such a positive and stimulating group has certainly made my little boy sparkle."