Overview of Speech Sound Disorders

Speech sound disorders are common in children, and it is important to emphasize the normalcy of some errors in early development. As children age and develop, they often reach speech milestones at an age-appropriate rate. However, those that do not reach their expected speech milestones when expected, might need to seek help from a speech-language pathologist. Potential causes for a speech sound delay or disorder might include developmental disorders, genetic syndromes, hearing loss, and brain damage. 

Speech sound disorders can affect both children and adults. In adults, speech sound disorders either persist from childhood or emerging after events like strokes or traumatic brain injuries. If you are concerned about having a speech sound disorder, it is important to seek a professional evaluation, particularly from a speech-language pathologist (SLP), who can assess speech, language skills, and potential hearing issues. 

The treatment for speech sound disorders, administered by SLPs, involves learning correct sound production, distinguishing correct sounds, and practicing sounds in various contexts. Overall, it is imperative for healthcare professionals to provide information on recognizing, understanding, and addressing speech sound disorders in both children and adults.