Correlation of neuropsychological indicators of child development with speech: Empirical research underpinning the National Children’s Health Prevention Programme

Abstract

Introduction/Aim Psychophysiological disorders and speech pathology is one of the priority public health problems in the Republic of Serbia. Child?s growth and development proceed in a particular sequence and course, depending on individual physiological capacities, quality of neuromuscular structures and stimuli, which can be significantly affected by the environment. The development of speech from birth to the adult age is a result of the interaction of neurocognitive factors that contribute to a gradual attainment of phonological presentation and motor control abilities. The aim of the study was to examine the connection between manipulative manual dexterity, oral practice and lateralization with the development and speech in children and their potential for the development of prevention programs. Methods: The sample included 60 children from Belgrade of both sexes, aged between 5.5 and 7 years. Of these, 30 made up the experimental group - children with deviations in speech development (articulation disorders), and 30 the control group - typically developing children from the general population. The instruments used were the Manipulative Manual Dexterity Test (Lafayette), Oral Praxis Test, and part of the Test for assessing lateralisation (auditory, visual, and functional). Results The hand grip development level is statistically significantly different between the experimental and the control group (??=21.40, df=3, p<0.01). The presence of associated involuntary movements statistically significantly differs between the experimental and the control group examinees (??=10.58, df=1, p<0.01). Oral praxis statistically significantly differs between the experimental and the control group (t=2,01, p<0,05). Visual laterality statistically significantly differs (??=7.56, p<0.05) between the observed groups. When all predictors are taken into account, significant contribution to the explanation of the existence of speech pathology (articulation disorders) is given by the variables: Visual lateralization (OR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.179-0.832; p = 0.015) and the level of hand grip development (OR = 0.23; 95% CI = 0.082-0.699; p = 0.009). Conclusion: The hand grip development level and visual laterality are worse in children with speech (articulation) impairment and developmental deviations. It is these indicators of child development that should be used as a guide in designing the National programmes for developmental assessment and prevention in the child healthcare system.