Keyword: «delayed mental development»

This article examines the theoretical and practical aspects of speech therapy aimed at developing spatial representations in preschool children with delayed mental development (DMD). The analysis of the specific features of spatial perception in this category of children is presented, and effective techniques and correction methods are highlighted to optimize their learning and development process. The research shows that a systematic, comprehensive approach, incorporating speech therapy and play-based methods, significantly enhances the level of spatial representations in preschool children with DMD and promotes their overall speech and mental development.

The article examines the issue of fostering social activity among preschool children with special educational needs in the context of preschool education. The authors emphasize that social activity is a key factor in the successful socialization of children with disabilities; however, its development is hindered due to the peculiarities of psychophysical development. During the study, an integrative model for developing social activity was designed and tested, incorporating process-based, structural-functional, and competence-based approaches. The research sample included 20 preschoolers with delayed mental development and severe speech disorders. Monitoring results indicated an increase in the level of social activity among the children. The model's effectiveness was confirmed through both quantitative and qualitative changes in children's behavior. The article highlights the practical significance of the proposed approach, its potential for scaling, and its implementation in the inclusive preschool education system.