MODERN METHODS OF DIAGNOSING SPEECH DISORDERS IN CHILDREN

Speech development is a crucial component of a child’s overall development and the primary tool for social adaptation. Any disruptions in the formation of speech skills can significantly affect the child’s cognitive, emotional, and personal spheres, as well as hinder the learning process. Therefore, early diagnosis of speech disorders is a key stage in organizing corrective and developmental support. Modern science offers a wide range of methods that allow for the identification of speech development deviations in children with high accuracy. These include both traditional speech therapy methods and neurophysiological, psycholinguistic, as well as the latest digital technologies.

Speech disorders, especially in early stages of development, often go unnoticed or are perceived as age-appropriate variations. However, delaying diagnosis may lead to serious secondary complications—delays in general development, learning difficulties, and social maladaptation [3, p. 448]. Early diagnosis not only enables timely detection of the problem but also allows for the selection of an individualized corrective program tailored to the type of disorder, the development level of speech components, and the child’s cognitive characteristics.

It is particularly important to detect disorders before the child starts school, as during this period the brain’s neuroplasticity allows for the most effective correction outcomes.

Traditional diagnostic methods include a range of assessments aimed at determining the development level of all components of the speech system: phonemic hearing, articulatory motor skills, vocabulary, grammatical structure, and coherent speech.

Speech therapy assessment includes:

• analysis of the articulatory apparatus;
• evaluation of sound pronunciation and phonemic perception;
• examination of active and passive vocabulary;
• analysis of sentence construction, grammar comprehension;
• assessment of coherent speech (retelling, creating a story based on a picture).

These methods form the basis of speech therapy diagnostics and make it possible to determine the level of development of speech functions [2, p. 152].

Modern technologies in medicine and neuropsychology are increasingly applied in speech therapy to enable deeper analysis of the causes and mechanisms of speech disorders.

Electroencephalography

Allows assessment of the brain’s bioelectrical activity and identification of areas where abnormalities are observed. It is especially effective when there is suspicion of organic lesions of the central nervous system associated with speech impairments [1, p. 312].

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Used when structural brain changes are suspected. It can identify underdevelopment of speech centers or consequences of perinatal pathology.

Electromyography

Used to assess the functioning of the muscles involved in speech production, particularly when dysarthria is suspected.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Allows stimulation of specific areas of the cerebral cortex and identification of the functional characteristics of speech centers [6, p. 29].

Neurophysiological methods provide insight into the biological basis of disorders and help accurately localize the affected area.

The psycholinguistic approach views speech development as the interaction of linguistic, cognitive, and emotional processes.
Diagnostics are conducted using tests and techniques aimed at studying the perception, processing, and production of speech information.

Methods include:

• speech comprehension tests;
• tasks for differentiating sounds;
• exercises for constructing statements and narratives;
• analysis of coherence and logic in speech.

Psycholinguistic diagnostics allow specialists to determine at what stage a “breakdown” in speech activity occurs—during perception, processing, or reproduction of information [4, p. 568].

With the shift of education and medicine into the digital sphere, the possibilities for diagnosing speech disorders have significantly expanded.
Modern technologies enable fast and objective assessment of a child’s speech development.

Speech therapy applications and programs

There are interactive platforms that can be used by both professionals and parents. They include tests, exercises, error analysis, and automatic report generation.

Examples: “Logomer”, “LogoPro”, “Speech Analyzer”.

Artificial Intelligence

AI can recognize speech, detect deviations in pronunciation, tempo, rhythm, and grammar. Based on large data sets, models are built that can classify types of speech disorders and suggest corrective paths.

Remote diagnostics

Online platforms enable diagnostics even in the absence of in-person speech therapists. This is especially relevant for remote areas [5, p. 336].

Each method has its strengths and limitations. The most effective approach is considered to be a comprehensive one, which combines traditional, instrumental, and innovative methods.

Advantages:

• high diagnostic accuracy;
• ability to analyze hidden disorders;
• reduced assessment time;
• accessibility (in the case of digital services);
• objectivity of results.

Limitations:

• high cost of some methods (e.g., MRI, EEG);
• need for specialized equipment;
• limited applicability for children under age 3;
• requirement of qualified professionals.

Diagnosing speech disorders today requires close collaboration between speech therapists, neurologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, special education teachers, and IT specialists. Only joint efforts can provide a comprehensive picture of a child’s speech development and develop an effective support program.

Conclusion

Modern methods of diagnosing speech disorders in children significantly enhance the accuracy and timeliness of identifying developmental issues. A comprehensive approach, combining traditional speech therapy techniques, psycholinguistic analysis, neurophysiological research, and digital technologies, opens new horizons in providing assistance to children with speech impairments. The key is not to miss the right moment and to begin intervention as early as possible, as speech is not only a means of communication, but also the key to successful socialization and learning.