VIEWS OF PEDITRICIANS ON SPEECH AND LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Pediatricians that, in addition to treating children’s diseases, deal with early growth and development, have a special responsibility in the early detection and diagnosis of speech and language difficulties. Aim of this research was to examine pediatricians’ and pediatric specialists’ familiarity with speech-language development, developmental-behavioral pediatrics, opinions on acquired knowledge at the specialist study on early growth and development and to examine the importance of multidisciplinary approach and cooperation between pediatricians and speech therapists, educators and rehabilitators and psychologists.The sample was comprised of 14 specialists pediatricians and 1 pediatrics resident, who were employed in primary and secondary health care and private practice, from different cities of the Federation of B&H and Republika Srpska. Results of this research have shown that surveyed pediatricians are working with children with difficulties in speech-language development on a daily basis. Respondents have mostly correctly answered all questions related to speech-language development which indicates that they have solid knowledge in this area. Results have shown that most of the respondents is not satisfied with the knowledge obtained from specialist study on early growth and development and that they are not completely familiar with developmental-behavioral pediatrics, but all of the pediatricians have agreed that this field of sub-specialty should be included as a part of our higher education program. When it comes to a multidisciplinary approach and cooperation with speech therapists, educators-rehabilitators and psychologists, respondents support and practice a multidisciplinary approach in the detection and diagnosis of speech and language difficulties.Keywords:opinions of pediatricians, speech-language development, developmental-behavioral pediatrics.