Early intervention in cases of children with psychophysiological disorders and speech pathology

Abstract

Psychophysiological disorders and speech pathology are a global problem, especially in the countries in transition. This is illustrated by the data from the Republic of Serbia Health Statistics Annual for 2006. According to this publication 17,974 live born infants out of total number for year 2006, had some form of natal pathological condition. The frequency of psychophysiological and speech disorders depends on biological, psychological and socioeconomic factors. According to the World Health Organization data, psychophysiological disorders are at constant increase. About 20-30% of children population in Serbia, is estimated to have some sort of psychophysiological and speech disorder Speech and hearing disorders are the most common forms of psychophysiological disorders. Speech disorders occur with children with aforementioned disorders, as well as with children among general population. According to the "MICS" (Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey) research by UNICEF and the Institute for Statistics of the Republic of Serbia, for the period 2005-2006, 11.3% of children have at least one form of disorders (hearing disorders, sight disorders and speech difficulties). Ministry of Health of Republic of Serbia recognized this problem and in year 2005 formed the Committee for Prevention and Treatment of the Psychophysiological and Speech Disorders. The role of this Committee is to propose a draft, of the National Programme for Prevention of Psychophysiological and Speech Disorders. Through the elaboration of a National prevention programme, the number of children with psychophysiological and speech disorders should significantly decrease. One of the prevention measures is an early detection and timely diagnostics with therapy for the children with developmental disabilities. Taking in consideration goals of National program, information strategy, education, communication and social mobilization are specified. Also operative plan for realization, time determinates and responsible experts in sector of preventive health protection are determined.