Pattern-based approaches to phonological therapy

Pattern-based approaches to phonological disorders emerged in the 1970s and 1980s after researchers realized that phonological "rules" used to describe speech patterns of adults could be used in the analysis of children's speech. In this article, a pattern-based approach to assessment and treatment of phonological disorders is described, based on identification and treatment of phonological processes. Means of identifying and quantifying phonological processes are provided and assessment tests are described. Principles underlying the use of phonological processes in intervention programs are presented and decisions regarding target selection are discussed. A case study of the treatment program for one child illustrates the application of phonological processes within a cycles approach.