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Tutorial: Motor-Based Treatment Strategies for /r/ Distortions.
Jonathan L Preston1, Nina R Benway1, Megan C Leece1
1Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Syracuse University, NY.
Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools
|August 14, 2020
Summary
This tutorial offers best practices for treating residual American English /r/ distortions in children. It reviews phonetic requirements and evidence-based acquisition principles for effective speech therapy.
Area of Science:
- Speech-language pathology
- Phonetics
- Motor learning theory
Background:
- Residual /r/ distortions are common speech errors in children.
- Effective treatment requires understanding /r/ phonetics and acquisition.
- Some current therapy approaches lack scientific validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize best practices for treating American English /r/ distortions.
- To review phonetic production requirements for /r/.
- To explain evidence-based principles for /r/ acquisition in therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of phonetic science related to /r/ production.
- Explanation of motor learning principles applicable to speech acquisition.
- Identification of evidence-based vs. non-evidence-based therapeutic techniques.
Main Results:
- Key articulatory features for /r/ include oral/pharyngeal constriction, tongue lowering, lateral bracing, and lip rounding.
- Phonetic cues and shaping strategies can elicit correct /r/ production.
- Evidence-based acquisition principles include blocked practice and frequent knowledge of performance feedback.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians can enhance /r/ acquisition in children with residual errors using strategies grounded in phonetic science and motor learning.
- Treatment should prioritize evidence-based methods, avoiding those lacking scientific support.
