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55
in the number of physiotherapy treatments given in the
forthcoming year.
1954 1955
Number of new cases 164 125
Number of re-inspections 422 383
Total attendances 586 508
Number of children referred
for physiotherapy 163 167
Number of attendances 2,970 2,930
SPEECH THERAPY
During 1955 the number of children with speech disorders
requiring treatment was 266, representing 1.1% of
the school population. The types of defect encountered
are: -
(1) Dyslalia - Mixing or missing out of consonants.
(2) Aphasia Absence of speech.
(3) Dysarthria Defects due to disorders of the
articulatory muscles or soft palate,
(4) Stammering.
Treatment varies according to the type of defect, but
may involve exercises, play therapy, the teaching of imita
tion, correction of any causative defect, and advice to
parents on management of children with defects.
The activities of the Speech Therapists include
(1) Seventeen clinic sessions where each child receives
the benefit of individual attention.
(2) Three playgroups in which up to eight 3 5 year
olds receive play therapy,
(3) School visits which have proved invaluable for
group tuition, consultation with Head Teachers
and screening of children with a view to speech
therapy.
(4) The speech class which enables help to be given
to children with the most severe defects is limited
to ten in number in charge of a specially quali
fied teacher, and is visited thrice weekly by the
Senior Speech Therapist. Progress of these child
ren, both in education and speech, has continued
to justify this as a most valuable part of the
Borough's Speech Therapy Organisation.
All children having speech therapy are medically
examined at least twice yearly and close liaison between