Examination of Speech and Language Disorders in Preschool Children

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine speech and language disorders in preschool children and to reveal the problems encountered in this direction. The research was conducted with 34 preschool teachers working in Mardin in the 2023-2024 academic year, who were diagnosed with speech and language disorders in their classrooms. The study was conducted within the scope of phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research methods. According to the results of the study, it was concluded that speech and language disorders are more common in boys than in girls. It has been observed that language and developmental disorders in the preschool period are common in children between the ages of 60-71 months. In the study, it was determined that preschool teachers and families have a critical role in diagnosing children with speech and language disorders and monitoring the process. It was seen that it is critical to include all stakeholders in the process by implementing an accurate, effective intervention and support program, both at school and at home, for students with speech and language difficulties to overcome this problem. Early detection of speech and language disorders and timely intervention will contribute positively to language development and increase speaking skills by minimizing the effects of SLD. It was observed that the expert support received by students with SLD and the adaptations made by the teacher in the classroom had a positive effect on language development. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.