Multidisciplinary speech and language therapy approach in a child with multiple disabilities including blindness due to retinopathy of prematurity: a case study with a one year follow-up

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to show speech and language, sensory-motor, and emotional progress after one year of therapy according to the needs of and resources for a child with multiple disabilities and blindness due to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods: A 45-month-old boy was examined by a multidisciplinary team and assessed using the Sensory Profile 2, The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale II, The Communication Matrix, and The Scale for Evaluation of Psychophysiological Abilities of Children Aged 0–7. After a year of daily individually adopted speech and language therapy followed by supplementary therapeutics method, based on a multidisciplinary approach, the child was reassessed using the same battery of tests. Results: The obtained results might indicate the importance of factors such as a multidisciplinary approach, individualization, communication pathways, therapist’s characteristics, and trust when working with children with multiple disabilities. Conclusion: Taking into account all the features of multiple disabilities during the treatment course, continuous monitoring, modification, and adaptation of applied therapy method proved successful in this case.