When Sarah’s son, Ethan, started preschool, teachers noticed his struggle to pronounce certain sounds, like replacing “cat” with “tat.” While other children outgrew it, Ethan’s patterns persisted, and his frustration grew when others couldn’t understand him. After meeting with a speech-language pathologist (SLP), Sarah learned Ethan had a phonological disorder.

Ethan’s story is not unique. Speech sound disorders affect 8-10% of young children. Fortunately, speech therapy is an effective way to help children improve speech patterns, build confidence, and thrive.

Phonological Disorders & The Importance of Early Intervention

Phonological processes are patterns of sound errors to simplify speech as typically developing children are learning how to speak. Simplified sound patterns can make their speech difficult to understand. Phonological disorders are when a phonological process is used past the typical age of elimination or when a child uses an atypical phonological process. 

Children with this disorder have difficulty figuring out how sounds fit together to form words. Left untreated, the disorder may impact a child’s social and emotional skills, academic performance, and even future employment.

Common Characteristics of Children With Phonological Disorders:

• Fronting: when sounds such as /t/ or /d/ are substituted for /k/ or /g/ ex: ‘tat for cat’ and ‘dood for good.’
• Stopping: A fricative sound such as /f, v, s, z, th, sh/ or affricate /ch/ or /j/ is substituted with a stop sound such as /p, b, t, d, k, g/ ex: ‘pish for fish.’
• Final Consonant Deletion: When the final consonant or consonant cluster is left off ex: ‘ba for ‘bat.’
• Consonant Cluster Simplification: simplify consonant clusters such “ting” instead of “string”

Here is a chart of all phonological processes and their descriptions: https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/sped/pdf/sl-phon-process-chart.pdf

Why Early Intervention Matters

Getting help early for phonological disorders can make a big difference in a child’s life. Per the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA), children who begin speech therapy before age 6 are twice as likely to overcome speech issues than late starters. Benefits of early speech development therapy include: 

• Clearer Communication: Speech therapy helps kids to say words correctly, reducing frustration and boosting confidence.
• Social Development: Improved speech makes it easier for kids to connect with friends and adults.
• Academic Success: Clear speech skills are essential for reading, writing, and succeeding in school.

Starting therapy early helps set children up for a brighter future.

How Speech Therapy Addresses Phonological Disorders

Speech therapy provides a structured, evidence-based approach to correcting speech sound disorders. Through personalized techniques, therapists help children improve sound production and speech clarity, setting them up for long-term success.

1. Early Diagnosis

Before therapy begins, SLPs start with a detailed evaluation to understand a child’s speech patterns and challenges. This process includes:

• Assessing Speech Sounds: Identifying which sounds the child can and cannot say
• Spotting Patterns: Noticing consistent mistakes, like swapping or dropping certain sounds
• Understanding the Impact: Seeing how the speech issues affect the child’s daily life

Catching phonological disorders early makes a big difference in a child’s ability to progress academically and socially at school and in their communities.

2. Tailored Therapy Techniques

Speech therapists use fun and engaging methods to help kids overcome phonological disorders, such as:

• Minimal Pair Practice: Working with similar-sounding words (like “bat” and “pat”) to teach differences between sounds
• Discrimination Training: Helping kids hear the difference between correct and incorrect sounds
• Phonological Awareness: Teaching how sounds fit together to form words, which also helps with reading skills

These approaches help to improve speech as well as literacy. Focusing on sound awareness can boost reading skills for most children within a year.

3. Support from Parents and Teachers

Therapy doesn’t stop when the session ends. Parents and educators play an essential role by practicing skills with the child at home and in the classroom. Therapists provide guidance and activities for practice, fostering a collaborative environment for the child’s progress.

MTG: Connecting Schools & Speech Therapists in the Tri-State Area

Are you a school in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware searching for skilled speech therapists? Perhaps you’re a speech therapist looking for meaningful work in a supportive environment. At MTG, we bridge the gap, helping schools find expert professionals and therapists discover opportunities where they can thrive.

• For Schools: We provide reliable staffing solutions that ensure students receive the high-quality speech therapy services they need.
• For Therapists: We offer transparent placements, personal support, and mentorship to help you succeed.

Contact MTG to learn more about our tailored placement services.