Os efeitos da terapia assistida por animais (TAA) mediada por cães como forma complementar na intervenção dos desvios fonológicos

Abstract

This research investigated and compared the effects of TAA in the communication of children with phonological disorders. Based on the sample selection criteria, six children diagnosed with phonological disorders were included in this study, who can or can’t have associated phonetic deviation, with no other associated speech or language comorbidity. Subjects that were between 4:0 and 7:11, could not have previously received speech therapy, should not have dog phobia, could not have hearing loss, and should not present evident neurological, psychological or cognitive alteration. Three children were selected to perform phonological therapy based on the Minimum Peers Model - Multiple Oppositions, with modifications proposed by Baggeti, Motta, Keske-Soares (2005) associated with the cinotherapy and three were selected to perform pure phonological therapy based on the Minimum Peers Model - Multiple Oppositions, with modifications proposed by Baggeti, Motta, Keske-Soares (2005). After 25 therapy sessions or discharge, the data were studied and compared to verify their effects. For the data collection, the analysis of the results of the Phonological Assessment of the Child was realized (YAVAS, HERNANDORENA, LAMPRECHT, 1991), Test of Figures for Phonemic Discrimination (CARVALHO, 2005), Assessment of Self-Consciousness of Speech Deviation (MENESES, 1999) and Evaluation of Reconstruction and Selection Strategies (FREITAS, 1997) in the pre and post therapy periods. After data collection, they were evaluated and compared by means of descriptive quantitative analysis and they were confronted in the literature. The results for the severity of the deviation, Consciousness of Self Speech Deviation and Testing of Phonemic Discrimination Figures, showed that the insertion of the cinotherapy also influences speech improvement, since the results for this group were positive. However, when compared to the group without cinotherapy, there were no evident results. It is suggested that studies with more participants be performed to prove their effects for speech improvement. Regarding the selection strategies between the groups with and without TAA, the majority did not avoid the segments and absent structures in their phonological system. Both groups performed the reconstruction strategies, however, the group that had contact with the TAA presented greater motivation for the speech improvement. Thus, in general, it is indicated that TAA had no evident effects on speech changes.