Differential diagnosis of motor speech dysfunction in children

An experimental version of the Verbal Motor Production Assessment for Children (VMPAC) is presented. This test provides data for the differential diagnosis of children with four types of speech disorders: global motor, oromotor execution, oral and speech motor sequencing, and by exclusion of the preceding three types, phonological disorders. Rationale on which the test is based are given. The test itself, is discussed in detail as are the diagnostic indicators. Profiles for four children illustrate the integration of the VMPAC data with sensory, cognitive, language and social development data. These profiles are discussed in terms of the diagnoses and implications for intervention.