Oral Narrative Abilities of Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome: Macrostructure as a Relative Strength

Oral narratives play a central role in cognitive, linguistic, and social development by allowing individuals to organize experiences, build identity, and participate in cultural life. In children and adolescents with Down syndrome, these skills are especially relevant to support their educational and social inclusion. Despite the linguistic difficulties that characterize this population, the literature often indicates that narrative macrostructure -related to the overall coherence and organization of the story- may represent a relative strength, in contrast to the limitations observed in microstructure. This review article delves into recent evidence surrounding the notion of macrostructure as a relative strength. The article is organized into three sections: 1) the methods used for assessing narrative macrostructure in this group; 2) the most relevant evidence on the conception of macrostructure as a relative strength, organized around three key ideas; and 3) the variables associated with macrostructural performance in this population. Special emphasis is placed on studies conducted in diverse linguistic contexts, broadening the perspective beyond the English-speaking context. Finally, the main implications for research and practice are discussed.