Speech Sound Disorders

What are speech sound disorders?

A speech sound disorder can be the result of neurological impairment or structural issues, like a cleft lip/palate. Speech sound disorders include problems with articulation, which involves problems in making sounds. Sounds can be substituted, left off, added, or changed. These errors may make it hard for people to understand you.

What are some signs of a phonological disorder?

A phonological process disorder involves patterns of sound errors. For example, substituting all sounds made in the back of the mouth like “k” and “g” for those in the front of the mouth like “t” and “d” (e.g., saying “tup” for “cup” or “das” for “gas”).

How are speech sound disorders diagnosed?

A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is the professional that evaluates people with speech and language difficulties. The SLP listens to the person and may use a formal articulation test to record sound errors. An oral mechanism examination is also done to determine whether the muscles of the mouth are working correctly. The SLP may recommend speech treatment if the sound is not correct or if it is not a feature of a dialect or accent. The SLP often also evaluates language development to determine overall communication functioning.

What treatments are available for people with speech sound disorders?

SLPs provide treatment to improve the articulation of individual sounds or reduce errors in the production of sound patterns. Articulation treatment may involve demonstrating how to produce the sound correctly, learning to recognize which sounds are correct and incorrect, and practicing sounds in different words. Phonological process treatment may involve teaching the rules of speech to individuals to help them say words correctly.

How common are speech sound disorders?

In those that have suffered a neurological event, speech sound errors are quite common, and treatable. If you believe you have a speech sound disorder, let Therapy Solutions help! Request an appointment today.