Articulation/Phonological Disorder
A difficulty in producing sounds that affects the child’s intelligibility. Children’s speech patterns typically go through developmental stages. Articulation errors can be in the form of sound omissions, distortions or substitutions.
Omissions
| Child's Word |
Real Word |
| at |
cat |
| bo |
boat |
| pot |
spot |
| bed |
bread |
| gun |
wagon |
Distortions
| Child's Word |
Real Word |
| thun |
sun |
| caw |
car |
| take |
talk |
Substitutions
| Child's Word |
Real Word |
| sign |
shine |
| cap |
tap |
| wed |
red |
| whip |
lip |
| tip |
chip |
Again, most children develop speech through stages. These stages are present between the ages of 1-3 and should taper off by the time a child is 4. A child of 4 may have some errors, however it is a good idea to consult with a speech pathologist if you are concerned or your child’s speech is difficult to understand. Speech disorders can translate into later problems with reading readiness and phonics.