PURPOSE: to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of pediatricians regarding the development of oral communication in children. METHODS: a total of 79 pediatricians answered a specific questionnaire. This questionnaire searched information about the professional, professional knowledge of the stages of the children communication development, the behavior before some complaint of communication disorders, referring and method used for evaluating these children. The questionnaires were delivered personally and answered manually by the doctors. RESULTS: most interviewed pediatricians have knowledge, though basic, on some language disorders. However, many pediatricians are not aware on the role played by speech pathologists. Moreover, even though there is concern on the correct speech of children, pediatricians do not refer them at adequate time. CONCLUSION: this study shows the importance to publish the role of speech pathologists not only in academic, scientific or clinical environments attended by speech pathologists, but also in the working places of medical professionals.
Pediatrics; Child Language; Children
