[Children with a presumably isolated speech-language disorder often have medical or cognitive problems as well].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the language problems of children who otherwise appear to develop normally.


METHODS
A clinical inventory.


METHODS
University Hospital Groningen.


METHODS
The children (n = 319) were examined according to a standard protocol consisting of: ENT examination, audiologic examination, paedogogic observation and logopaedic examination. Further psychological examination was carried out when needed according to the paedagogic observation.


RESULTS
25 per cent of the children had isolated language problems. For these children logopaedic therapy was indicated. In 75 per cent, a clear associated medical factor, or a retarded cognitive and (or) motor development, was found. Forty per cent of these children received medical treatment and 35 per cent specific paedagogic guidance. In some cases additional logopaedic therapy was given.


CONCLUSIONS
It appears advisable to give children with language problems logopaedic therapy only after a diagnostic examination has been carried out according to a standard protocol as described.
Academisch Ziekenhuis, afd. KNO/Stem-, Spraak- en Taalpathologie, Groningen.
S M
SM
Goorhuis-Brouwer
F G
FG
Dikkers
B J
BJ
Wijnberg-Williams
D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007804:Language Development; D007805:Language Development Disorders; D007806:Language Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008297:Male; D011581:Psychological Tests; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013070:Speech Therapy
Bij kinderen met een vermoedelijk geïsoleerde spraak-taalstoornis vaak tevens medische of cognitieve problemen.