Separation-individuation and speech and language development in the psychotherapy of an atypical child

Children with psychiatric disorders often experience speech and language problems, however, the association between the two is not fully understood. The literature lacks explorative case examples to suggest how attention to language and speech difficulties may serve as a vehicle for diagnosis and intervention. A case study is presented to examine psychother-apeutic techniques and activities to improve psychic structuring and attendant communication skills in a child. Speech and language concepts and the affect induced by the child in the therapist serve as major organizers to demonstrate how therapy proceeds within Mahler's stages of separation-individuation.The treatment of the child occurred during a Post-Master's Fellowship Program at the Institute of Living, Dept. of Child Psychiatry under the supervision of Michael Hayes, M.S.W. Ms. Streit is in private practice, but currently on leave in Adelaide, Australia.