In her practice, speech therapist-defectologist Sezim Namazbekova shared her experience working with children who have speech development issues, as well as discussing the interaction between logopedics and ABA therapy. She explained that her primary work is focused on children with autism, who, despite having an understanding of speech and imitation skills, are unable to produce sounds and syllables by the age of 5-6 years. In such cases, active work with the children begins.
Namazbekova explained how logopedics additionally supports ABA therapy. The ABA therapy process helps children develop stable learning behavior, motivation, and communication skills, while the speech therapist helps initiate speech, starting with sounds, syllables, and words, and then continues to develop speech in a functional aspect.
She emphasized the importance of motivation in the learning process. Finding what the child enjoys—be it toys or other activities—holds immense significance.
Sezim shared an example where one of her students was fascinated by stickers of various shapes and colors. She also has a girl who adores fairies; she prints bright pictures for her, often in yellow-green shades. This creates motivation, and the child begins to actively participate in the lessons. Over time, the interest in activities shifts from stickers to an intrinsic desire to learn and grow.
The specialist noted that the main task of the speech therapist is to awaken motivation in the child, so they understand that the lessons bring them joy and are beneficial for life.
