View report page

first two terms—or even one term at school, then referral to the
Speech Therapist is desirable, as the child is constantly using faulty
habit patterns in articulation which are reinforced every time he
speaks. This may impede his progress at school, and attach a
stigma to his personality which becomes increasingly difficult to
eradicate as he gets older.
In the younger child the case with the highest incidence during
1962 was dyslalia (defective articulation, arising from various
causes); with stammer being the most prevalent in the older child.
Two children have been recommended for assessment and
possible admission to Moor House School (a residential school
catering solely for the treatment and education of children with
severe speech defects); and others have been re-referred to the
Medical Officers for investigation by E.N.T. surgeons; or for audiometric
or I .Q. testing.
As from the opening of Havering Grange School, for Educationally
Sub-normal children, in September, two sessions each week
were spent at the school seeing children in need of therapy on the
premises. A very large proportion of these children are in need
of treatment, and it is hoped that it may eventually be possible to
devote more time to them.
A group of normal children were seen for half an hour each
week at a local Primary School for general speech improvement.
Whilst working with this group it was noticed that the substitution
of F for TH; variations of the normal S; together with frequent
omissions of H; are prevalent in a substantial percentage of normal
children in this area—taking these children as a representative group.
Considerable benefit has been derived by the acquisition of a
Brenell Tape Recorder. This has proved valuable not only to the
children themselves, but also to the parents and therapist.
As in 1961, a Christmas party was held for the children. Both
therapeutically and socially this was again a very successful occasion.
I should like to express my appreciation to the Medical Officers
the Heads of schools, and the parents, who have contributed to the
success of the Speech Therapy service during 1962.
Dental Services
Several full-time and part-time Dental Officers were appointed
Page 43