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Published on: July 1, 2015
Predicting Speech Sound Production and Phonological Awareness Outcomes in Late-Talking and Typically Developing
Toby Macrae1,2,3, Hamimah Ahmat4, Jayne Newbury1,2,3
1New Zealand Institute of Language, Brain and Behaviour, University of Canterbury, Christchurch.
Summary
Children with delayed speech (late talkers) showed poorer speech sound production and phonological awareness (PA) than peers. Frequent use of omission patterns predicted these outcomes, suggesting a focus for early intervention.
Area of Science:
- Child language development
- Speech-language pathology
- Developmental psychology
Background:
- Late talkers often exhibit speech sound production and phonological awareness (PA) challenges.
- Understanding predictors of these outcomes is crucial for early identification and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare speech sound production and PA outcomes in late talkers versus typically developing children.
- To determine if phonological pattern use predicts speech sound production and PA outcomes.
Main Methods:
- 104 children (34 late talkers, 70 typically developing) aged 2;0-2;7 were studied.
- Phonological patterns (atypical and omission) were assessed at ages 3;6-4;4.
- Speech sound production and PA were evaluated at ages 4;11-5;8.
Main Results:
- Typically developing children outperformed late talkers in speech sound production and PA.
- Omission patterns, not atypical patterns, significantly predicted both outcomes.
- Phonological pattern use, rather than group status, was the key predictor.
Conclusions:
- Late talkers generally have poorer outcomes, with speech sound production potentially indicating clinical concern.
- Omission patterns are significant predictors of speech sound production and PA outcomes.
- Speech-language pathologists should monitor or prioritize children, including late talkers, with frequent omission patterns.
