Speech disorders in students in Belo Horizonte

Area of Science:

• Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
• Pediatric Health
• Developmental Disorders

Background:

• Speech disorders affect a significant portion of school-aged children.
• Understanding associated conditions is vital for effective intervention.
• Early identification of speech and language impairments can prevent long-term academic and social challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of speech disorders in 1st to 4th graders.
• To explore the relationship between speech disorders and stomatognathic system and auditory processing disorders.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 288 students (ages 6-10) from public schools.
• Evaluations included a stomatognathic system protocol, the Phonology task of the ABFW - Child Language Test, and auditory processing screening.
• Statistical analysis was performed to identify associations.

Main Results:

• 31.9% of students exhibited speech disorders, including phonetic and phonological deviations.
• Phonetic deviation was associated with stomatognathic system disorders.
• Phonological deviation was linked to auditory processing disorders.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of speech disorders in this age group is high.
• Speech disorders are associated with stomatognathic and auditory processing issues.
• Early diagnosis and intervention are recommended to address these interconnected conditions.