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39
of pathological conditions such as chorea and epilepsy which are
sometimes present. The child is then considered to be in a position
to gain full benefit at the speech training class. These classes are
held at the Mattock Lane and Ravenor Park Health Centres. The
child is seat from school to the Health Centre for two sessions each
week. He is taught to relax and to breathe properly; later be is
instructed according to the principles of voice production and
correct speech. Sympathetic treatment and association with fellow
sufferers do much to overcome the child's self-consciousness and
eradicate his nervousness. Gradually the feeling that he is abnorml
is dispelled and with its disappearance self-confidence is established.
Much time and patience are required, but by degrees the gap
between him and his normal school fellows is narrowed and in a
gratifying number of cases is ultimately closed.
Throughout the treatment a close liaison is maintained between
the parents, the school teacher, the teacher at the speech class
and the school medical staff. The child's progress is periodically
reviewed and care is taken to promote bis physical and mental
health.
During the year there were in attendance a total of 43 children.
Of these at the time of the report, there were
(а) still attending 13
(b) discharged as cured 15
(c) evacuated 8
(d) no longer resident in the district 4
(e) left school 2
(f) refused to attend 1