Abstract:
Werdnig-Hoffman Syndrome (WHS) is a hereditary neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, which prevents motor skills development. Mental development is preserved, vivacity and intelligence stand out in contrast to poor motor activity. The subject affected by this syndrome, has physical limitations for effective interaction, which can cause communication problems. The purpose of this study is to analyze the communicative possibilities of a child with Werdnig-Hoffman Syndrome during the speech and language therapeutic process. It is a case study of four years old female child, female, attended speech and language therapy service in a multiple disabilities rehabilitation center, from August 2013 to April 2014. The clinical assessment showed that the patient communicated by facial expressions and rare vocalizations. During the therapeutic process, the interaction was dialogically sustained through responses to yes/no questions: raising the eyebrow concomitant to eyes wider open for a "yes" and eyebrow contraction for "no", with light denial head movement. Though predominantly silent and motionless, the patient expressed her subjectivity by means of a communicative conduct that although incipient indicated symbolic activity related to integration and interpretation of reality.
Keywords:
Communication; Case Studies; Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences