Implementing Speech Perception and Phonological Awareness Intervention for Children With Speech Sound Disorders

Abstract

Purpose: Children with speech sound disorders have more difficulties producing speech sounds accurately than same-age peers. In addition, they often have difficulties with speech perception, and weaker phonological awareness skills than their peers and are at risk for negative long-term academic and socio-emotional outcomes. In this tutorial, we describe ways in which clinicians can target speech perception and/or phonological awareness within the context of speech production practice. Method: First, we briefly describe the speech perception and phonological awareness skills of children with speech sound disorders and summarize previous intervention studies that targeted speech production and speech perception and/or phonological awareness skills. Next, we demonstrate how clinicians may incorporate speech perception and phonological awareness intervention in speech therapy through example instructional objectives and activities and include a case study. Conclusion: Incorporating speech perception and phonological awareness into speech production intervention may improve speech and literacy outcomes for children with speech sound disorders.