Previous studies, conducted in different countries (e.g. Australia, Canada, India, Republic of Ireland, USA, UK), have shown that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) use nonspeech oral motor exercises (NSOMEs) to treat speech sound disorders (SSDs), bringing attention to the substantial debate regarding the clinical effectiveness of NSOMEs. The aim of the present study was to investigate and characterize the use of NSOMEs by Portuguese SLPs in the intervention of SSDs, and to analyze the evidence that supports it. To do so, SLPs who provide therapy to children with SSDs were invited to complete an online questionnaire, based on a previous survey conducted in India by Thomas and Kaipa (2015). A total of 184 participants responded to the survey; 93.5% reported knowing about NSOMEs, 78.5% used NSOMEs in their intervention for SSDs, and 80.2% considered them effective in treating SSDs (89% indicated that their knowledge about NSOMEs was acquired through graduate and post-graduate courses; 98.5% reported that they used NSOMEs to improve the motor function of the articulators). This study offers an overview of Portuguese speech-language pathologists’ reported use of NSOMEs as part of the intervention of speech sound disorders in children. Many of the participants in this study reported that they did use NSOMEs in SSD treatments, regardless of the lack of evidence to support their use in this context. Furthermore, the results show that the percentage of SLPs in Portugal using NSOMEs is similar to those found in the USA, UK, Canada, and India, but different from those in Australia and Ireland.
This study analyses the eating routines and habits of Portuguese children aged 4 to 18 months, the methods of food introduction most frequently used, and the parents’ perceptions regarding the importance of food introduction for speech development. A sample of 297 parents filled out an online self-report questionnaire about their perceptions, knowledge, and routines regarding food introduction methods, and their relationship with speech development. This questionnaire showed high reliability (α=0.86). The majority of the Portuguese mothers that filled out the survey answered either that they breastfed their children or breastfed them in combination with bottle feeding. They also stated that they introduce new food to their children in the form of soups or purees and that they vary the flavors, textures, and consistencies frequently. Although the results showed a reasonable level of knowledge regarding the traditional and Baby Led Weaning (BLW) methods, there was a higher frequency of use of the traditional method in this sample when compared to BLW. There was not a significant correlation between the age of the parents and their perception of the importance of feeding for speech. In turn, parents with a higher level of education showed a greater awareness of the relevance of feeding in the development of speech. Parents with a higher number of children showed less awareness of the relationship between feeding and speech development.
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