Comparison of Speech-Language, Mental-Motor Development and Brain Radiologic Findings in Children with Cerebral Palsy and Other Delayed Development

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the characteristics of speech-language development and to find out the relationship between them and radiological findings, and mental/motor developmental quotient in the children with cerebral palsy and other delayed development. METHOD: Fifty-eight children with cerebral palsy or delayed development were evaluated with Bayley scales of infant development, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT). At the same time, the speech-language development using several evaluation batteries was assessed. RESULTS: Most of the children with cerebral palsy or delayed development showed delay in speech-language development. There was no relationship between speech-language development and presence of the lesion on brain MRI or SPECT, and mental/motor developmental quotient. CONCLUSION: Speech-language development was delayed in most of the children with cerebral palsy or other delayed development. Therefore, early interventions for speech-language development and comprehensive speech therapy are required for improving functional outcome in these children.