Dyslalia is a speech disorder that affects the articulation of language sounds. It is characterized by difficulty in correctly pronouncing certain sounds or groups of sounds, which can interfere with effective communication. This disorder can occur in schoolchildren and sometimes persist into adulthood if not treated properly.
Types of Dyslalia
Dyslalia Functional:
Functional dyslalia is the most common form of this disorder. It is characterized by difficulties in articulating sounds due to poor coordination of the articulatory organs, such as lips, tongue and palate. Children with functional dyslalia may present omission, substitution, distortion or addition of sounds in their speech.
Organic Dyslalia:
In organic dyslalia, difficulty in articulating sounds It is due to anatomical or physiological alterations in the organs of speech, such as lips, tongue, palate, etc. These alterations can be congenital or acquired, and require specialized treatment to correct the pronunciation of the affected sounds.
Symptoms of Dyslalia
The symptoms of dyslalia can vary depending on the type and the severity of the disorder. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Omissions of sounds in words.
- Substitutions of sounds for others.
- Distortions in the pronunciation of certain sounds.
- Difficulty articulating sounds in sequence.
- Unclear or unintelligible language.
These symptoms can affect the individual's daily communication , causing frustration and difficulties in the social and educational sphere.
Causes of Dyslalia
Organic Causes:
The organic causes of dyslalia can be associated with congenital malformations, brain injuries, alterations in the speech organs, among others. These causes require medical evaluation and specialized treatment to address the difficulty in articulating sounds.
Functional Causes:
Functional causes of dyslalia are usually related to problems in coordination of facial and speech muscles, as well as with difficulties in auditory processing and imitation of sounds. Genetic, environmental and psychological factors can also influence the development of this disorder.
Treatment of Dyslalia
The treatment of dyslalia is based on a multidisciplinary intervention that includes the participation of specialists in psychology, speech therapy, pedagogy, among others. Some therapeutic strategies and approaches used in the treatment of dyslalia include:
Language Therapy:
Language therapy or speech therapy is essential in the treatment of dyslalia. Through specific exercises and activities, a speech therapist works on correcting the articulation of the affected sounds, improving the coordination of the speech organs and the individual's verbal fluency.
Oral Stimulation and Exercises:
Oral stimulation and exercises help strengthen the muscles involved in the production of sounds, thus improving articulation and pronunciation. These exercises may include blowing, chewing, vocalizing and other specific movements to work the facial muscles.
Psychological Therapy:
Psychological therapy can be beneficial in cases of dyslalia associated with emotional factors , such as anxiety or low self-esteem. A psychologist can work on identifying and managing possible psychological causes of the disorder, promoting confidence and security in the individual.
Educational Support:
Educational support is key to facilitating the integration of the child with dyslalia in the school environment. Teachers and education specialists can collaborate in the adaptation of pedagogical strategies that favor the development of language and communication of the student, promoting their active participation in the educational process.
Early Intervention:
Early intervention is essential in the treatment of dyslalia, since it allows the disorder to be addressed early, maximizing the chances of success in correcting pronunciation and language development. Identifying and treating dyslalia at an early age favors the acquisition of adequate communication skills in the individual.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dyslalia is a speech disorder that affects the articulation of the sounds of language, making effective communication difficult for the individual. Knowing the types, symptoms, causes and treatments of dyslalia is essential to adequately address this disorder and provide the necessary support to people who have it. Early intervention, language therapy, oral stimulation, psychological therapy and educational support are key tools in the treatment of dyslalia, promoting language development and social integration of those who suffer from it.