EFFECTIVENESS AND LIMITATION OF COMPUTER-BASED THERAPY IN MANAGING LANGUAGE DISORDERSIN NIGERIA

Abstract

Computers are involved in many facets of daily life, and studies have adjudged computers to be effective tools in the rehabilitation of all forms of language impairments. This study seeks to establish a synergy between traditional therapy and speech-language computer therapy in achieving speech-language therapy in children with language disorder or specific language impairment. Some speech-language pathologists were interviewed, and questionnaire administered on some to know their level of integration of technology-based therapy in managing speech disorder. This work which is largely descriptive reveals that speech-language pathologists prefer targeting the habilitation and rehabilitation of computer skills as a functional endpoint of treatment for many individuals with language disorder. Findings reveal that not all clients are receptive to using computers. Ethical issues may arise with computer-based treatment if speech-language pathologists provide software without appropriate clinical evaluation and teaching. Investigation into therapeutic homes also reveals that the computer-assisted language software cannot be used wholly without the intervention or collaboration of usual traditional skills or approach for optimal result in the management of language disorder.