LOGOPEDICS consists of a set of techniques for the re-education of speech and language disturbances. These techniques will enable the child to speak correctly. The role of the logopedics doctor is to educate the child so that he/she discovers for him/herself how sounds contained in words are formed. These techniques still are little known in our country, but the are considered to be of paramount importance in the european environment. Children with these problems, who do not receive treatment in due time, can be hampered scholastically, which will condition their attitudes for the rest of their lives. Mothers first as when visiting a logopedics doctor "will my child be able to speak"? They anguish over the fact that their child still does not properly pronounce the sounds with which words are formed. The most usual disturbances are those of two-to-three-year olds, who do not speak and only use mimicry to express themselves. Other children deform the sounds of words and instead of "soup" say "toup" The origins of these problems are caused by not differentiating the sounds when the children are between 18 and 36 months of age, and some of whom suffer additionally from recurring serous otitis. Preventive treatments in logopedics are very effective as they reduce the recuperation time and should be put into effect at three levels: 1.- At pre-school, teachers should be instructed in the proper exercises to stimulate the child to achieve the correct articulation of words. 2.- Families should be adequately informed on what not to do in each case. If no results are achieved a personalised treatment with a logopedics doctor should be followed. Parents should be advised to speak to the child correctly, never using diminutives. Never laugh at deformed words used, i.e never gratify the errors made. Listen closely when the child speaks and answer adequately. We are thus facilitating communication as children are not generally listened to and TV does not either listen or answer. The child should not be made to understand that correct speech will be achieved trough direct imitation of words and sounds. When a child is not understood because his/her pronunciation is bad, his/her mother has problems. She still mush try hard to make the child feel he/she has her full support and understanding. The mother should not imply that the child´s speech is bad; actually, he/she is unable to speak better. Parents should realize that children with speech difficulties are not having a good time, especially when other children in school are making fun of them. Sometimes children stammer, which happens between the ages tree to four, and they tend to repeat syllables or words. Some parents receive the child is a stutterer when he/she really is not. This is actually an evolutionary phase which should not worry anyone because it is easily overcome by the child him/herself. The best treatment is to keep families properly informed so that no inadequate instructions are given to the child to force him to stop. Stuttering vanishes by itselfs. When a child uses fiver sounds than other children, this means that he uses fewer words, and pronounces shorter sentences, reflecting a poorer vocabulary and a lesser capability of communicating. Speech and writing are so closely related that bad speech will make the child fail in his attempts to learn how to write. Writing is a direct reflection os speaking. Any speech disturbance will impede the child academically. Some adults pronounce certain letters with difficulty, like "R" and "L". Correct pronunciation can be achieved with a good logopedic treatment. When an adult submits any problem to the correct articulation of sounds initially pronounced with difficulty, treatment is brief and easy. The future of logopedics is promising. A grater, more generalized assistance to children with these speech problems is encouraged. This will help many families who anguish over there children scholastic retardation, which can be avoided in practically all cases.

Luisa Cabré

Logopeda.

© Barcelona 199-2006

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