Atee.2022.55

https://doi.org/10.22364/atee.2022.55 | 815-823 | PDF | © University of Latvia, 2023

Multisensory Approach in Speech Therapy for Preschool Children

Sarmite Tubele
University of Latvia, Latvia

Abstract. The paper is devoted to topical issue – multisensory approach in speech therapy. The aim of the paper is to substantiate the neccessity of multisensory approach in speech therapy sessions for pre-schoolers. The number of children with speech and language disorders is increasing every year and help is needed to alleviate the disorders. Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) have to work hard to overcome developmental difficulties. They have common features because of language problems, nevertheless they are so different in their learning styles, individual and personal characteristics, and the severity of their speech and language disorder.
Speech therapist has to be creative and find the way to each child alongside the strict methodology, and promote their development.
Multisensory approach in the essence is the use of all senses in the learning process and intervention. Speech therapists know how important it is to attach the attention and keep interest of a child to achieve the best results. Some senses are more accustomed in daily use; others are used only in special cases. The development in pre-school age is the basis for the future life, wellbeing and success. Therefore the fundamental must be strong, confident and reliable.
Used methods: literature review based on specific key words in Google Scholar, questionnaire for speech therapists and statistical analysis of the obtained results.
Main results specify frequently used senses (vision, hearing, touch) and more rarely used senses (smell and taste). Nevertheless the results of speech therapy intervention suggests more frequent use of all the senses. One of the conclusions is related to the need in the education of future speech therapists to pay more attention to the use of a multisensory approach in daily sessions for children with speech and language disorders.

Keywords: developmental language disorder, intervention, multisensory approach, preschool children, speech therapy

About the author

Sarmite Tubele, PhD, Professor at the University of Latvia. Research interests – speech therapy, special needs education and inclusive approach. In Speech therapy most relevant topics are: the evaluation of the speech development and dyslexia; in special needs education – children with learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. Nevertheless most of all I like to work with students in all levels at the University of Latvia.

In:
To Be or Not to Be a Great Educator, 2022. Proceedings of ATEE Annual Conference
Riga: University of Latvia Press, 2023. 985 p.
Ed. L. Daniela
ISBN 978-9934-36-019-0 
https://doi.org/10.22364/atee.2022