Phonological Disorder
What is phonological disorder?
Phonological disorder is a communication disorder. Children who have it have problems making the right sounds for letters or words. Children with this disorder make 3 types of mistakes:
- replacing one sound with another (saying "bat" instead of "cat," for example)
- leaving out a sound (such as saying "dess" for "dress")
- adding a sound (like saying "plaper" instead of "paper")
The disorder is usually diagnosed in children from 3 to 8 years old. Between 2% and 3% of children ages 6 and 7 have phonological disorder. It is more common in boys than girls.
How does it occur?
By the age of 8, most children have all the skills necessary for producing speech sounds. Producing speech sounds depends on control of the tongue, lips, palate, larynx, jaw, and breathing muscles. It also depends on being able to hear and recognize sounds (vowel and consonant sounds, rhythm, intensity). Problems in any of these areas may lead to phonological disorder.
Parents who have speech problems have a higher risk of having children who develop speech problems.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include:
- speech that is less developed than would be expected for the child's age
- replacing one sound with another
- leaving out sounds
- adding sounds
- difficulty with school
- difficulty in social situations
How is it diagnosed?
Parents usually notice this disorder and consult a healthcare provider about it when their child is about 3 years old. The provider will ask about the child's symptoms and family medical and mental health history. After the child has been examined and tested to rule out physical causes, such as hearing problems, the healthcare provider may make a referral to a psychologist, speech pathologist, or other professional qualified to deal with this type of disorder. This professional will test your child's speech skills and will work with you and your provider to determine the best way to treat the disorder.
How is it treated?
Treatment for this speech disorder most often involves speech therapy. If the child has a hearing problem or other physical condition contributing to the speech disorder, your healthcare provider will refer you to the appropriate specialist to treat the other condition.
Many public schools and communities have special programs to help children with phonological disorder. Parents can be a part of treatment by learning ways to help the child with speech activities at home.
How long do the effects last?
This problem can go away by itself by the time a child is around 8 years old. However, the more time the child spends in individual or group speech therapy, the more likely he or she is to overcome the effects of this disorder.
What can I do to help my child?
- Learn as much as you can about communication disorders. Most libraries and bookstores have information on these topics.
- Find out what type of treatment is being offered in the schools and your community.
- Continue to follow the treatment plan.
Written by Psychiatric Professional Services, Inc.
Published by RelayHealth.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
