View report page

48
Methods of Treatment.
Dyslalia and Lisp.—In cases of dyslalia and lisp, treatment
consists mainly of speech exercises leading up to the teaching of
correct sounds. Then, by the aid of rhymes and talking games, the
child is encouraged to use the correct sound in normal conversation.
Stammering.— Stammerers are not treated by exercises in the
mechanics of speech, as it is important for the child to feel that
talking is easy, rather than something that requires effort and
concentration. Stammering is connected with a general tense
condition throughout the body and great importance is therefore
attached to showing the child how to relax. At first, relaxation
is taken alone, the children lying down and being helped to
relax by the building up of suitable word pictures by the Speech
Therapist. When the child has learned to relax in this way, he is
encouraged to relax in a similar way when the stammer interferes
with his speech.
At the same time, individual fears and the child's lack of selfconfidence
have to be overcome. Where necessary, the child has to
be helped to adjust himself to whatever difficulties there may be at
home or in school. These factors being contributory causes of the
stammer, it is most necessary to gain a complete picture of the home
and school background. This is done by visiting the schools and
talking to the teachers.
The co-operation of the parent and the interest of the child are
both important factors in effecting a cure. Parents are interviewed
by the speech therapist when the child first attends the clinic, the
nature of the treatment is explained and advice is given about the
child. Frequently it is necessary to follow up the case with visits to
the home, where free discussion about the child can take place, in
his absence, between parent and therapist.
Rheumatism and Heart Disease.
It has been estimated that more than 200,000 children suffer
from rheumatism in England and Wales, and that this is the cause of
over twenty-five per cent of prolonged school absenteeism. Whilst
the cause of rheumatic fever in children is not yet fully understood,
it is of utmost importance in the prevention of crippling and