Sensory Profiles in Children with Speech Sound Disorders

Intact sensory processing functions are essential in the development of speech and language, cognitive and motor milestones, and for supporting participation in daily activities. This study investigated in detail which specific modalities of sensory processing are affected in children with speech sound disorders (SSDs), including relevant clinical subgroups.

A consecutive sample of 143 children between 4 and 9 years (6:0 years) of age referred for differential diagnosis of oral and speech motor disorders to the centre of eating, speech, and oral motor function (OMC) was included. Caregivers completed the Swedish version of the Sensory Profile 2 (SP2), which assesses sensory responses in everyday situations. Standardized norms were used for comparison.

Children with motor speech disorders (MSDs) (n = 82) and those with a language-oriented speech disorder (LD) with concomitant oral motor developmental delay (ODD) (n = 27) exhibited significantly more sensory processing difficulties than typically developing peers. Children in the MSD group also frequently presented with co-occurring LD and ODD diagnoses (MSD+).

The findings of this study indicate that children with SSD, particularly those in the MSD+ and LD + ODD subgroups, show a higher degree of sensory processing difficulties. These difficulties may significantly affect their participation in daily life activities. Gaining an understanding of how sensory processing dysfunctions shape a child's actions and reactions is of vital importance for speech language pathologists (SLPs) working with these children. This knowledge can inform more tailored and effective intervention strategies within speech and language therapy.