Abstract
Introduction Although clinical practice shows that children with spastic cerebral palsy have disturbances in the development of speech and language, literature is very scarce with data in this area. In particular, it is missing data on the specificities of speech-language disorders and the mobility of speech organs. Objective the aim of this paper is to assess the development of speech and language abilities and to determine the characteristics of speech disorders in children with spastic cerebral palsy. We were also interested in the state of mobility of speech organs in this category of children. Method the sample consisted of 10 respondents (6 boys and 4 girls), aged four years, with spastic cerebral palsy who were treated at the Special hospital for cerebral palsy and developmental neurology in Belgrade. Based on the medical documentation and the results of testing, the course of language development, speech-language abnormalities and mobility of speech organs were analysed. The Test for the articulation assessment and the Test for voice assessment were applicable, while the prosodic features of speech were assessed by perceptual analysis of recorded speech patterns. The mobility of speech organs was assessed by clinical observation and by using a Test of voluntary oral motor activity. Results the results showed that children with spastic cerebral palsy have a significant delay in speech and language development. They master the elements of the linguistic structure much later than the typically developing children. Most children with spastic cerebral palsy have dysarthria characterized by difficulties in the articulation of the consonants, the change in voice quality, and disturbance of rhythm and rate of speech. Disturbances in speech are accompanied by slow movements of speech organs. Conclusion Children with spastic cerebral palsy are late in the development of speech-language abilities, they have a disorder of articulation of consonants, altered voice quality and impairment of the prosodic features of speech.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
