BRAIN Journal - Computer-based Programs in Speech Therapy of Dyslalia and Dyslexia-Dysgraphia

ABSTRACT During the last years, the researchers and therapists in speech therapy have been more and more concerned with the elaboration and use of computer programs in the therapy of speech disorders. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of computer-based programs for the Romanian language in speech therapy. Throughout the study, we will present the experimental research through assessing the effectiveness of computer programs in the speech therapy for speech disorders: dyslalia, dyslexia and dysgraphia. Methodologically, the use of the computer in the therapeutic phases was carried out with the help of some computer-based programs (Logomon, Dislex-Test etc.) that we elaborated and experimented with during several years of therapeutic activity. The sample used in our experiments was comprised of 120 subjects; two groups of 60 children with speech disorders were selected for both speech disorders: 30 where in the experimental ('computer-based') group and 30 where in the control ('classical method') group. The study verified whether the results, obtained by the subjects within the experimental group, improved significantly after using the computer-based program, compared to the subjects within the control group, who did not use this program but got a classical therapy. The hypotheses were confirmed for the speech disorders included in this research. The conclusions of the study confirm the advantages of using computer-based programs within speech therapy by correcting these disorders, as well as the positive influence these programs have on the development of children’s personality