Speech and Language Disorders in Children with Intellectual Disability in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Authors

  • Haris Memisevic Centre for Education and Rehabilitation, ‘’Mjedenica’’, Sarajevo
  • Selmir Hadzic Centre for Education and Rehabilitation, ‘’Mjedenica’’, Sarajevo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5463/dcid.v24i2.214

Keywords:

speech and language disorders, children, intellectual disability

Abstract

Purpose: The goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of speech and language disorders (SLD) in children with intellectual disability.

Method: The sample comprised 167 children of both sexes, with mild and moderate intellectual disability of varied etiologies. Data on their language disorders were taken from the educational records in the school files.

Results: It was demonstrated that the total prevalence of SLD in this sample was high (71.3%). While there were no statistical differences in the prevalence of SLD in relation to the sex of the child, there were significant differences in relation to the level and etiology of intellectual disability.

Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of SLD, it is necessary to provide speech and language therapy to all children with intellectual disability who attend regular schools and special education centres. Speech therapy should begin as soon as they are admitted to preschool and school institutions.

Author Biographies

Haris Memisevic, Centre for Education and Rehabilitation, ‘’Mjedenica’’, Sarajevo

Dr. Memisevic has a doctorate in Intellectual Disabilities and a master's degree in Psychology. His areas of interest include neuropsychology, early intervention, inclusive education and cognitive rehabilitation. He works at the Center for Education and Rehabilitation of children with intellectual disabilities and is a consultant to NGOs who support persons with intellectual disabilities.

Selmir Hadzic, Centre for Education and Rehabilitation, ‘’Mjedenica’’, Sarajevo

Selmir Hadzic is a speech and language therapist employed at Mjedenica. He is the President of the 'Association of Special Education Teachers, Occupational Therapists and Speech Therapists' in Canton, Sarajevo. His areas of interest are speech development and early speech therapy.

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Published

2013-07-28

How to Cite

1.
Memisevic H, Hadzic S. Speech and Language Disorders in Children with Intellectual Disability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. DCIDJ [Internet]. 2013 Jul. 28 [cited 2024 Sep. 4];24(2):92-9. Available from: https://dcidj.uog.edu.et/index.php/up-j-dcbrid/article/view/116

Issue

Section

Brief reports