Speech therapy of a child with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1): a case study
Speech therapy of a child with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1): a case study

Summary/Abstract: The subject literature continues to lack descriptions of speech therapy of children with SMA1. The progressive character of the disease did not allow considerable progress to be made in therapy. However, currently available treatments bring about observable changes in patients in the sphere of activity of the speech apparatus, in the ability to receive food and swallow, as well as in respiratory activity. Making use of purposeful procedures and appropriate rehabilitation techniques, the speech therapist is able to attain positive effects and observe the development of functions which would decline without the medical support currently available. This article presents the case study of a child with SMA1. On the basis of appropriately selected diagnostic tools, an assessment was made of the child’s range of vocabulary and basic communicative skills, as well as sensorimotor evaluatio of the oral-facial area. The article also discusses the activities undertaken during therapy and the rehabilitation techniques recognised as most significant and having the greatest effect.

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