London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Richmond upon Thames 1969

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Richmond]

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During the Autumn every child who was newly admitted to a primary school was
seen by a speech therapist and those with any special difficulty were noted and kept
under observation. In this way it is hoped to give children in need of therapy the help
they require before they become too self-conscious at having to attend a clinic and also
to prevent much absence later from school when work becomes more serious.
These visits to schools are helpful in increasing a relationship between teachers
and therapists and in every instance a welcome has been given.

Table XX.

Number of pupils treated by Speech Therapists under arrangements made by the Authority.

Number of Children treated315
Number of New Patients124
Total Number of Attendances2,975
Number on Waiting List, 31.12.6929
Number of Children Discharged127
Normal Speech72
Improved23
Referred elsewhere (Child Guidance, etc.)4
Uneventuated (non-attendance, etc.)10
Left District (Treatment not completed)18

Table XXI.

Types of cases treated during the year.

Dyslalia121
Retarded Speech and Language Development75
Stammering31
Indistinct Speech17
Sigmatism (Interdental and lateral)45
Language difficulty10
Apraxia2
Cleft palate (post operation) and bifid uvula6
Dysphasia1
Autism3
Mutism3
Dysenia1

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