E D I T O R I A L 
The  field  of  speech therapy in South  Africa,  as elsewhere,  is dynamic  and  one 

must therefore  expect changing  ideas,  needs  and  trends. 

In  recent years there has been a growing  awareness that  we have based  the 
practice of  our profession  on research studies  that  have been carried  out elsewhere.  The 
time has come for  South  African  therapists  to attempt  their own research and  become 
more acquainted  with the unique conditions  that  exist in the country in which they work. 
S.  Bauman and  M.  Aron have in their article  indicated  the need  for  research in South 
Africa.  We  hope that  this contribution  will  stimulate  the initiation  of  many research 
projects. 

M.  Marks  has brought  to our attention  another important  need  in our profession: 
namely the importance of  a closer  co-operation between allied  professions  in the treatment 
of  speech disorders.  Her  particular  emphasis is on the need  for  a teamwork  approach to 
cleft  palate  rehabilitation  in South  Africa. 

South  African  therapists  have always relied  on the knowledge  of  those who have 
studied  elsewhere.  Visitors  from  overseas and  those of  us who have travelled,  have 
brought  the knowledge  that  nutures our profession.  A. G. Epstein,  having recently 
visited  our country, presents in his article  some new and  interesting  ideas  on the testing 
of  articulation  disorders. 

In  this issue we have therefore  attempted  to indicate  some of  the most urgent 
needs  of  speech therapy in South  Africa  as well  as presenting  some new ideas.  It  is our 
earnest hope that  further  interest  in these fields  will  be stimulated. 

I 

JOURNAL OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN LOGOPEDIC SOCIETY 

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