speech development

Articulation Disorders

Making progress in speech development starts with understanding the evaluation and treatment process for articulation disorders, as discussed in this post. In this comprehensive guide, we will navigate the journey of speech sound development and discuss the basis for evaluation and treatment in articulation therapy. Understanding the milestones and stages of speech sound acquisition is crucial for identifying potential delays and designing effective intervention plans. Articulation therapy, distinct from phonological and childhood apraxia of speech therapies, targets specific speech sound errors to enhance clarity and pronunciation. We’ll explore the various assessment methods used to evaluate speech sound production and discuss evidence-based treatment approaches.

Additionally, we’ll highlight the pivotal role of home programming in reinforcing therapeutic gains and supporting speech progress beyond the therapy room. Join us as we navigate through the fundamentals of speech therapy and empower caregivers with practical strategies for facilitating speech development in children.

Milestones and the Evaluation Process:

Speech pathologists assess speech sound development using a test battery containing all consonant sound targets. Most of the time, a child with an articulation delay can produce vowels accurately, but not consonant sounds.  If your child hasn’t mastered age-expected sounds, their score may indicate therapy is necessary. The chart pictured below is my all-time favorite speech development reference tool from 1972 for parents.  I particularly like how it displays the wide range for development of each sound target.

Some children need more time to master sounds with any number of factors influencing that timeline. Ear infections, fluid buildup, wax, growth, attention issues can delay sound mastery for months or years in some children.

In 2018, McLeod and Crowe published a study updating developmental expectations for speech sound development. Note that these researchers suggest that all speech sounds are acquired by six years. Under these guidelines, more children may qualify for speech services.

After the Evaluation:

You just learned that your child is eligible for speech services due to an articulation delay.  If you are in early intervention, then you likely will not see specific sound targets in your treatment plan, but that all changes in an IEP- Individualized Education Plan.

Let’s walk through the meetings that lead to an IEP in the school system. First, attend a brief referral meeting at the school to determine testing needs with the team. A couple months later, you will reconvene and review all test results.  If your child qualifies for speech, then you will create an IEP at that eligibility meeting.  Listen carefully to the goals for speech articulation, which are written to be met in one year.  Given that these goals must be achieved in a year, they should be concise, measurable, and appropriate for your child’s age.

Here is an example of an achievable objective, focusing on an early sound production: Increase accuracy of /b/ in all positions (i.e., ball, cowboy, web) of words with 85% accuracy.

Here is an example of a lofty goal which should be divided into smaller components as there are 18 objectives in this one example: Increase accuracy of /p, m, h, n, w, b/ in all positions at the word level with 85% accuracy.

In summary, you have the right to ask questions during any meeting, be it for eligibility or treatment planning. If goals seem unattainable, express concerns during IEP meetings. Parents are one of the most important team members because you know your child best!

Treating Articulation Disorders:

Your child needs articulation therapy when he substitutes or distorts one or more sounds.  For example, he may substitute the /w/ for /r/ in the word rabbit or distort the /l/ in the word ladybug such that the /l/ does not sound clear and crisp. In articulation therapy, we teach lip and/or tongue placement for target sounds. Here, we progress from isolated sounds to sentences and practice sounds in all word positions: initial, medial, and final. So, someone working on the /s/ sound may practice “sun”, “glasses”, and “cats.”  Typically, we look at mastery in one position before moving onto another.  We target developmentally appropriate sounds and increase the level as the child progresses.

Homework:

Your speech pathologist will want your child to practice sound targets at home once progress is noted in treatment sessions. Waiting for accuracy is crucial; clients who practice at home generalize skills, reducing therapy time and ensuring error-free practice.

Articulation Disorders: Conclusion

In summary, understanding speech sound development lays the foundation for effective evaluation and treatment of articulation disorders. By incorporating home programming into therapy plans, caregivers can play a crucial role in reinforcing progress outside of sessions. Consistent practice in natural environments enhances therapy outcomes and promotes long-term speech proficiency.