View report page

The number of children attending the Speech Clinic has
been higher than in any previous year, and the attendance has
been very regular.
In the autumn a number of stammerers of eight years of
age were admitted and a special class formed for them. At the
end of the term, when reports were received from the schools,
each case had shown improvement. The class has since been
so successful that it is felt that this is a particularly good age
for treatment.
The value of relaxation in the treatment of stammering is
becoming increasingly recognised. The stammer is a symptom
of an underlying nervous disorder, and is frequently accompanied
by other symptoms such as chorea, enuresis, nervous fears, and
an acute sense of inferiority. Speech-training methods, such as
articulation, and breathing exercises, are not fundamental.
They may, by suggestion, effect a temporary improvement, but
actually they increase the nervous tension of the stammerer,
and exaggerate his condition. Relaxation, on the other hand,
goes to the root of the trouble and, by release of the nervous
tension, effects a change so fundamental, that not only the
stammer, but all other nervous symptoms, gradually disappear.
I am indebted to Miss Crickmay and Miss Gardner for the
above particulars of the year's work. The work of the Speech
Clinic is of the greatest importance. Treatment of this nature
not only has the greatest bearing on the educational progress which
the children are able to make in school, but also has a considerable
influence on their ultimate chance of obtaining suitable and
remunerative employment.
8. INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
The means adopted to prevent the spread of infectious
diseases among school children are:—
(n) The exclusion of children suffering from infectious
diseases or coming from infected houses;
109