Speech sound disorders (SSD) refer to difficulties with the perception, motor production, or phonological representation of speech sounds that impair speech intelligibility. They include articulation disorders, phonological disorders, and conditions like childhood apraxia of speech. SSDs are developmental in nature, distinguished from acquired motor speech disorders.
SSDs can be functional (idiopathic) or organic (caused by structural or neurological issues). Subtypes include phonological delay, consistent/inconsistent phonological disorder, and articulation disorder. Childhood apraxia of speech involves motor planning deficits.
SSDs affect 8–9% of young children and are a common reason for SLP referrals. They reduce speech intelligibility and may co-occur with language disorders. Untreated SSDs can affect literacy and social development.
Treatment depends on the disorder type. Articulation therapy targets specific sound production. Phonological therapy addresses error patterns. CAS therapy emphasizes motor sequencing. Interdisciplinary care is needed when SSDs are linked to medical conditions.
Bauman-Waengler, Jacqueline. Articulation and Phonological Disorders: Speech Sound Disorders in Children. 5th ed. Pearson, (2016).
Dodd, Barbara. “Differential Diagnosis of Pediatric Speech Sound Disorder.” Current Developmental Disorders Reports 2, no. 3 (2015).
Rudolph, Celeste, et al. “Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Comorbidity of Speech Sound Disorders in Children.” Seminars in Speech and Language 40, no. 4 (2019).
