• Speech Sound Disorders

• Reading and Literacy

Speech sound disorders (SSD) encompass a range of difficulties related to the production of speech sounds. These disorders can affect the articulation (the physical production) and/or phonological aspects (the organization and usage of speech sounds within a language) of speech.

There are two main types of Speech Sound Disorders:

1. Articulation Disorders: These involve difficulties with the physical production of speech sounds. It can manifest as substitutions (replacing one sound with another), omissions (leaving out certain sounds), distortions (altering sounds in an unusual way), or additions (inserting extra sounds).

2. Phonological Disorders: These involve difficulties with the underlying sound system of language. Children with phonological disorders may have trouble understanding and applying the rules that govern the organization and sequencing of speech sounds in their native language. This can result in patterns of errors, called Phonological Processes, affecting multiple sounds or sound groups.

Speech sound disorders can vary in severity, ranging from mild difficulties that only affect certain sounds, to more severe impairments that impact overall intelligibility and communication. Speech Sound Therapy is a type of intervention utilized to help individuals improve their speech production skills and enhance communication abilities.

Reading and literacy delay refers to a developmental delay in acquiring reading and literacy skills that is behind what is typical for a child's age and developmental level. This delay can manifest in various ways, including challenges with decoding (the ability to sound out words), fluency (reading smoothly and accurately), comprehension (understanding and interpreting written text), spelling, and writing.

Children with reading and literacy delays may struggle to recognize and understand letters, sounds, and words, which can impact their ability to read and comprehend written text. These difficulties can stem from a variety of factors, including language difficulties, learning disabilities (such as dyslexia), lack of exposure to print, or insufficient instruction in reading skills.

Early identification and intervention are crucial in addressing reading and literacy delays to prevent further academic difficulties and promote successful reading development. Interventions may include targeted instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension strategies, and writing skills, often provided through specialized educational programs or interventions tailored to the individual's needs.

While reading delay and speech sound delay are separate conditions, they can co-occur in some individuals. Additionally, both conditions benefit from early identification and intervention to support children's academic and communication development.

We know that finding the right person to work with your child can be a difficult and stressful process. As a parent, you want to navigate this issue with your child in the most gentle and understanding way possible, so that your child will feel confident and comfortable throughout the process. We know that you want to find a person they can develop a trusting bond with while guiding them in a nurturing capacity to form these new skills.

This is what we do. Please contact us if you have questions. We are here to help.