Characteristics of Speech Sound Development in Preterm-Born Children: A Scoping Review

There is substantial evidence for the detrimental impact of preterm birth on language development compared to children born at term. However, little is known regarding speech sound development of preterm infants. Speech development precedes language development and requires investigation in its own right. A clear picture of the evidence for speech sound development in preterm-born children is important to enable clinical services in early identification and intervention for these children.

To understand the extent and type of evidence relating to typical and atypical speech sound development in children born before 37 weeks gestation (preterm).

A search of 5 MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycInfo, EMBASE, EMCARE was undertaken in April 2026. Grey literature searching in Campbell collaboration, COSMIN, PROSPERO, FigShare and Open Science Framework, Google (advanced search), and SpeechBite was undertaken. Articles including samples of children reporting speech sound development (typical or atypical) were included in the review. Studies focusing on outcomes for reading and literacy were excluded, as were animal studies and those signed languages. Population demographics, assessment and outcome measures, methods of analysis and findings were extracted from each study.

28 studies from 14 different countries were included in the review. Twenty-five of the 28 studies reported differences in speech outcomes of PT children and FT children between the ages of 3 months and 12 years.

This review found differences in how PT and FT children develop sounds for speech from birth through into childhood. Further large-scale, longitudinal research is needed to clarify what typical and atypical speech development look like in PT children.

What is already known on this subject The findings of this scoping review provide evidence of the differences between speech sound development between preterm born children and children born at term in the first 12 years of life. This information could contribute to a more informed approach to care and early intervention. What this study adds to the existing knowledge? Understanding the impact of preterm birth on early speech sound development can help speech and language therapists to build a picture of a child's individual risk profile for speech sound disorder later in childhood. This can lead to earlier intervention for the children who need it most.