Review of Children with delayed or defective speech

Abstract

Reviews the book, Children with delayed or defective speech by Sara M. Stinchfield and Edna Hill Young (1938). The reviewer states that this book presents the practical and theoretical aspects of delayed and defective speech development. The first part dealing with the theoretical side has been written by Dr. Stinchfield. It is an account of the psychological study of children with speech defects compared to children with logical normal speech. Although there is no supporting evidence, an important concept is introduced, that of speech readiness. It is probable that there is a psychological moment for the development of normal speech. This period is toward the end of the first year in the average child. After the second year, the most favorable period for speech development may be over. The second part dealing with practical therapy was written by Edna Hill Young. This section is of more immediate value to the teacher of children with defective speech. The principal contributions in the first part were that mental deficiency was not a primary causal factor in delayed or defective speech and that reduced auditory acuity is related to defective speech. But the implication of these contributions could only be appreciated in the practical work of teaching children to speak. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)