What is a Phonological Process…
& How Can a Speech Language Pathologist Help?
A phonological process is a consistent pattern of errors in a system of speech sounds.
For example, when a child replaces all of their “g” sounds with “d” sounds - “fod” for fog - this process is called Fronting.
There are approximately 20 known phonological processes, many with distinct subsets, in the English language.
There are many phonological processes which are part of normal development and are to be expected in your child’s speech depending on their age. Most of these disappear between the ages of 3 and 3 1/2 years and should not occur more then 40% of the time once your child is past the typical age range of assimilation.
However, there are also phonological processes which are not part of typical development and are indicative of a phonological disorder. These should not occur more than 10% of the time. Whether your child has a phonological disorder or delay should be determined via a comprehensive evaluation with a licensed Speech Language Pathologist.
Phonological delays are diagnosed when there is a delay in assimilation, or the child is holding onto those processes present in typical development longer than expected; whereas phonological disorders are diagnosed when there is a presence of abnormal or unexpected phonological processes in the child’s speech. Symptoms of phonological delay or disorder may include:
Familiar and/or unfamiliar people (teachers, peers, extended family members, parents) having difficulty understanding the child’s words, phrases, and sentences.
Difficulty in the child’s ability to be understood when telling what he/she wants or needs
Difficulty in the child’s ability to be understood when answering or asking questions
Difficulty in the child’s ability to be understood when commenting on his/her environment or initiating conversations with peers
Phonological processes, although speech-sound based, are considered to be an aspect of language impairment (rather than articulation). This is because phonological delays and disorders involve patterns throughout speech (at the word level) which impact the sound system as a whole, rather than pronunciation of specific sounds, and thus have an impact on the fundamentals of the child’s language system.
How can an SLP help a child with a phonological delay or disorder?
A Speech Therapist, also known as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) plays a crucial role in helping children with phonological disorders. Because these challenges involve patterns of sound errors that can impact a child's speech intelligibility and overall communication, we provide targeted interventions, designed to address the specific needs of the child in structured steps as outlined below. These steps can be provided through Speech Therapy online or in-person:
Assessment: The process begins with a comprehensive assessment to identify the nature and extent of the phonological disorder. The SLP evaluates the child's speech patterns, understands their communication environment, and may use standardized tests to gauge their phonological awareness.
Individualized Therapy Plans: Based on the assessment results, the SLP develops an individualized therapy plan that targets specific sound patterns and strategies to improve speech clarity. This plan considers the child's age, interests, and learning style.
Phonological Awareness Activities: The therapist incorporates various activities aimed at enhancing phonological awareness. These may include rhyming games, segmenting sounds, and blending exercises that help children understand the sound structures in words.
Sound Production Training: The SLP teaches correct articulation by modeling sounds and encouraging repetition. Techniques such as visual cues, tactile prompts, and verbal instructions guide the child in producing individual sounds accurately.
Generalization Strategies: To ensure that improvements in speech carry over into everyday conversation, the therapist works on generalization techniques. This may include practicing sounds in different contexts, using familiar vocabulary, and engaging with peers in structured activities.
Parent and Caregiver Involvement: An essential component of therapy is involving parents and caregivers. The SLP provides guidance and resources, enabling them to reinforce skills practiced in therapy at home. This collaboration fosters a supportive environment for the child's growth.
Progress Monitoring: The SLP continually monitors progress, adjusting therapeutic approaches as needed to ensure that the child is making gains. Regular feedback is provided to the family, helping them understand their child’s achievements and areas that may need further attention.
Through these strategies, Speech Therapists address the underlying issues related to phonological disorders, ultimately improving a child's ability to communicate effectively.
References:
Moyle, M., Long, S. (2017). Phonological Disorders. In: Volkmar, F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_1689-3
Pena-Brooks, Adriana, & Hedge, M.N., (2007). Assessment and treatment of articulation and phonological disorders in children (2nd Edition)
Yang, J., & Small, S. L. (2015). Language Processing, functional magnetic resonance imaging of. International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences, 368–380. doi:10.1016/b978-0-08-097086-8.54033-1