[Cerebellum and language: speech therapy intervention to treat their disorders]

Advances in neuroimaging techniques have sparked a growing interest in the study of the cerebellum and its role in the cognitive processes. It is becoming increasingly clear that there is a relationship between this organ and linguistic production, and between pathologies of the cerebellum and some language disorders, such as cerebellar dysarthria.

To review the contribution made by the cerebellum to the linguistic functions, to analyse the language disorders that derive from cerebellar diseases and to propose the use of speech therapy intervention in conditions of this kind.

An analysis is performed to determine the role of the cerebellum as a modulator in language, of cerebellar dysarthria, of the aetiological factors and of the clinical manifestations that can be observed in verbal production. Procedures for functional assessment and the contents of speech therapy treatment are proposed.

The acquisition of language in early childhood is conditioned by, among other things, the anatomical shaping and neurophysiological activity of the cerebellum. Alterations affecting the development of the structure of the cerebellum, as well as the pathologies and neurophysiological dysfunctions affecting it, can lead to language disorders. The speech therapist's diagnosis must be used to start treatment as early as possible, which will affect the perceptive organisation, motor skills, cognitive profile and linguistic competencies. The work programme will be drawn up in a global and interdisciplinary manner. The intervention of family members and their participation in the therapeutic process will make an invaluable contribution to have positive recovery environments.