The speech therapist-defectologist evaluates the developmental level of the child, diagnoses speech disorders (both oral and written), and creates an individualized plan for corrective and consultative sessions for both children and parents. Additionally, they provide comprehensive preparation for preschool and school-age children to ensure they are ready for education in school.
A speech therapist-defectologist works on the development and correction of speech in patients who have speech apparatus issues and need to develop attention, memory, and thinking skills. This field is interesting because it lies at the intersection of medicine and pedagogy.
Speech disorders in children can be caused by various psychological and emotional issues, as well as factors related to the child's physical health. Children with disabilities, speech and language delays, especially need timely corrective and developmental sessions, which should begin as early as possible. At the OKİ Hospital, we begin working with our young patients as early as 6 or 9 months of age. In addition to the speech therapist-defectologist sessions, regular consultations are also provided by pediatric neurologists and psychiatrists at the clinic. This comprehensive medical-pedagogical approach helps us quickly identify the causes of speech and writing defects and effectively address them.
You should seek help from a speech therapist-defectologist if you notice any of the following problems in your child:
• Speech development delays, incorrect pronunciation of sounds, including in children with hearing and vision impairments;
• Limited vocabulary, presence of aggrammatism (the child struggles with constructing and understanding sentences), prevalence of one-word responses over full sentences, to the point of complete absence of the latter;
• Speech tempo issues, stuttering;
• Difficulties in mastering writing and reading skills (dysgraphia, dyslexia, etc.);
• Speech and learning difficulties in children with delayed intellectual development.
The speech therapist-defectologist at OKİ Hospital conducts a comprehensive evaluation of your child's development, diagnoses oral and written speech disorders, creates an individualized corrective and consultative plan for children and parents, provides recommendations to overcome existing issues, and offers comprehensive preparation for preschool and schoolchildren for learning at educational institutions. The specialist works with parents and educators to consult on organizing and conducting developmental sessions and educational games for the child, assisting in acquiring necessary knowledge and skills.
For preschool and school-age children, the speech therapist-defectologist at the clinic will help overcome difficulties in interacting with peers, address issues with attention span and quick fatigue, and provide effective recommendations for maintaining performance throughout the school day and focusing attention.
Timely consultation with the specialist, and if necessary, joint management of the child by a speech therapist-defectologist, neuropsychologist, neurologist, and family psychologist will help overcome existing difficulties and prepare the child for successfully mastering educational programs, improve their interaction with other children, caregivers, teachers, and, of course, family members.
Clear and understandable speech, good academic performance, the ability to focus on tasks, and increased self-confidence will significantly improve the quality of life for the child and their family, preventing the development of many issues in adulthood.
