The aim of this study is to categorize the differential diagnostic criteria of communication skills for preschool children with shy behaviour and children with autism within the speech therapy intervention process. For the current study during the speech therapy intervention process 23 preschool children from 3-5 years old were studied who had communication problems and no speech. To establish the differential diagnostic criteria of communication skills for preschool children with shy behaviour and children with autism observation and complex speech therapy methods were used while combining practical and verbal/non-verbal approaches. The quantitative research methodology was used to generalize and conduct a comparative analysis of the results, in order to emphasize the behavioural characteristics and to outline the existing differences between the means of communication of these children. The analysis of the research results made it possible to compile a comparative description of communication features and indicators of the quality of communication of children with shy behaviour and children with autism. Communication and behavioural problems which are typical for children with shy behaviour and children with autism were clarified and differentiated, as well as the criteria for differential diagnosis of speech and communication features of children with shy behaviour has been established, and speech therapy intervention rules have been developed to overcome those problems.

The aim of the study was to explore the role of game-based approaches for developing speech in children with moderate mental retardation. More than 40 scientific journals, articles, and educational materials were analyzed in pedagogical and psychological fields to explore the advantages and challenges of using game-based approaches in the process of developing the speech of children with moderate mental retardation. A literature review methodology was used for collecting and synthesizing the existing scientific theoretical bases of game-based approaches for developing speech of children with moderate mental retardation since this research method created a firm foundation for advancing knowledge and facilitating theory development (Webster & Watson, 2002). The use of the literature review method helped the author learn about the history and nature of the selected topic, and identify research gaps and problems, so the results of a literature review may be presented as an entire report or article  (Torracro, 2005). The current study results have shown that the effectiveness of communication skills and speech formation and development of children with moderate mental retardation was based on the approach of gradually involving children in verbal communication through play activities. As well as the specification and elaboration of the content and tools of game activities provide such pedagogical conditions, which contributed to the expansion of children's communication field, the activation of preserved opportunities, and the demand for verbal communication.

The article touches upon the importance of early assistance of children having hearing problems in the families, the main problems related to it, as well as the ways and directions of rehabilitation activities of early assistance.

Despite the fact that the phenomenon of "stuttering" is quite a mature and comprehensively studied issue in speech therapy, still many ambiguous sides of this problem remain unresolved. Most modern researchers would agree that multiple factors, including those associated with linguistic, motor, sensory, and emotional processes, are likely involved in its development and preservation. According to the conceptual analysis of the problem of speech therapy, the need for a comprehensive application of speech therapy methods in the process of overcoming stuttering, as well as the need to introduce them in social micro-macro environments, is indisputable. The "maps" outlining the guidelines and the action plan, which would support the effective implementation of the latter. A qualitative framework was used in order to obtain the review and experience that specialists have had during their practices while working with stuttering person and his/her family.

The aim of the study was to discover the level of awareness, knowledge and perceptions of the pedagogues on the perspectives and the ways of overcoming stuttering and the role of the psychological-pedagogical environment. The theoretical basis for this study was obtained throughout the analysis of about 32 scientific-pedagogical sources that address the issues of understanding the problems in the information-consulting field during the process of overcoming stuttering. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to outline the gaps in the psychological and pedagogical support provided to stuttering people and to identify the level of awareness of the pedagogical staff of the educational settings regarding these issues. In total 100 employees: 77 pedagogues (30 teachers, 30 subject teachers, and 17 educators) and 23 special pedagogues working in the field of psycho-pedagogy took part in the current survey. The results stated that the perception about the real edges of overcoming stuttering formed in the society in Armenia was very limited and the efficiency of speech therapy work was low. About 93% of the participants had general view related to the stuttering manifestations and there were passive implementation and awareness of effective methods for overcoming the stuttering. Only 5% (special pedagogues) were aware of the single approaches such as “silence mode; syllabic speech” used with stuttering children, which were not considered comprehensive methods to treat the stuttering. Due to absence of professional speech therapy information-consulting system and lack of highly qualified specialists, 59% of the respondents convinced that overcoming the stuttering was impossible. The findings of current study indicated the need to develop the information-consulting system and recommendation guidelines for the pedagogues to support children in process of overcoming stuttering, as well as the methods of cooperation between the family members and speech therapists.