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Description
Statistics shows that the number of children with various developmental disorders is increasing in Lithuania. Autism, dyslexia, hyperactive children - these are the terms that parents interpret with anxiety and teachers complain about. In the year of 2013, 1006 children were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, whereas in 2018 the number increased up to 1896, ie 1.7 times higher.
Due to the growing statistical curve, the state is unable to adapt to the growing number of such children and does not provide all the necessary assistance to families. Increasingly, children with language disorders or simply the ones, that gained little spoken language experience are coming to the first classes. Language difficulties reduce the possibility of cooperation and exchange of information with peers, which can lead to a lower social status in the group, a higher risk of behavioral disorders may emerge, and the development of other cognitive processes is often delayed. In order to reduce this process, the method-tool LingoLT will be developed by the company “Nareka”. LingoLT is an innovative method, more precisely, an App to use on a phone or tablet, which systematically changes or supports natural language and creates alternative communication between a child with a speech disorder and his immediate environment, especially with parents, relatives, and further with education professionals, friends, and so on.
The main aim of the project is to test and develop a mobile app for children with speech disorders.
Summary of project results
Statistics show that the number of children with various disabilities in Lithuania was increasing in 2016-2019: https://osp.stat.gov.lt/statistiniu-rodikliu-analize?indicator=S3R697#/; https://hi.lt/html/en/health_statistic.htm.
Communication difficulties of children with speech disorders reduce the ability to cooperate and exchange information with peers, which can lead to a lower social status in the group, a higher risk of behavioral disorders may emerge, and the development of other cognitive processes is often delayed.
To reduce this process, the method-tool LingoLT was proposed by the company “Nareka”.
The goal of the project: To test and introduce the mobile app LingoLT for children with developmental disorders to communicate, be heard and understood.
The LingoLT mobile app, an innovative and effective method for improving the well-being of children with language disorders and their families was tested and implemented during the project. It is a free tool to use on a phone or tablet that systematically changes or maintains natural language and creates alternative communication between a child with a speech disorder and his or her immediate environment.
These tasks of the project are completed:
- A study on the distribution of children with language disorders in municipalities of Lithuania has been carried out.
- The app introduced in 30 Lithuanian municipalities while organizing educational events-trainings.
- The LingoLT app has been tested and is distributed throughout Lithuania.
The project was implemented without partners.
Target groups of the project: Children with developmental disorders (speech or autism spectrum disorders), who have difficulty speaking and expressing themselves; their parents and family members, friends, psychologists, special educators, educational support professionals, the local community, society.
The LingoLT app systematically replaces or maintains natural language and creates alternative communication between a child with a speech disorder and his or her immediate environment (family, educators, friends). The continuity and impact of the project will be ensured after the end of the project - LingoLT will be improved, available and supported in the app stores Google Play and App Store. More than 1000 downloads of the app are counted to date.