Speech development is a critical aspect of language development in children. It is through speech that children are able to express their emotions, thoughts, and ideas.

However, some children may experience articulatory-phonological disorders, which can result in difficulties pronouncing words and speaking clearly. This article will explore speech development in children with articulatory-phonological disorder, the causes of this disorder, its symptoms and treatment options.

What is Articulatory-Phonological Disorder?

Articulatory-Phonological disorder is a speech disorder that affects a child’s ability to produce, articulate, and use speech sounds correctly.

It is a condition that affects a child’s phonological development, which is the knowledge of speech sounds and how they combine to make words and sentences.

Causes of Articulatory-Phonological Disorder

The exact cause of Articulatory-Phonological disorder is not known. However, research has indicated that it may be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the known causes include:.

Family history of speech disorders
Developmental delays
Hearing loss
Neurological disorders

Symptoms of Articulatory-Phonological Disorder

The symptoms of Articulatory-Phonological disorder can vary from one child to another depending on the severity of their condition. Some of the common symptoms may include:.

Difficulty pronouncing words correctly
Substitution of sounds. For example, using ‘w’ for ‘r’ in words such as ‘rabbit’
Omission of sounds. For example, saying ‘fee’ instead of ‘free’
Repetition of sounds. Such as saying ‘w-w-w-where’ instead of ‘where’
Difficulty with oral-motor skills such as tongue and lip movement required for speech production
Difficulty understanding and following instructions
Difficulty with reading and writing

Diagnosis and Treatment of Articulatory-Phonological Disorder

Diagnosis of Articulatory-Phonological disorder typically involves a speech and language evaluation by a licensed speech-language pathologist. The evaluation assesses the child’s speech development, language skills, and oral-motor abilities.

The treatment of Articulatory-Phonological disorder is focused on speech therapy. Speech therapy consists of various techniques that can help children with speech sound disorders improve their speech production. The therapy may include:.

Articulation therapy
Phonological therapy
Language therapy
Oral-motor therapy

Parent’s Role in Treatment

Parents play a critical role in the treatment of Articulatory-Phonological disorder. They can support their children by practicing speech exercises with them at home and reinforcing the strategies learned in speech therapy sessions.

Additionally, parents can encourage their children by praising their efforts and being patient with them.

Participation in therapy sessions by parents is also important. The therapist can provide parents with tips and strategies to help their children communicate effectively.

Conclusion

Speech development is a critical aspect of language development in children. Articulatory-Phonological disorder can affect a child’s ability to produce, articulate and use speech sounds effectively.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help children overcome their speech difficulties. Parents can play a critical role in supporting their children’s speech development by participating in therapy sessions and practicing speech exercises with them at home.