Phonological Error Patterns from a Clinical Perspective

Speech has two aspects, knowledge (phonology) and expression (articulation). During the development of phonology, children make systematic errors, targeting certain phonological element classes, called phonological error patterns which later on are modified and suppressed. These patterns may be normal or unusual, and are classified as syllable structure, substitution and assimilation error patterns. Assessment of these error patterns by either spontaneous sample speech or single word test is a golden step for determination of age-appropriate, delayed, gross-included and unusual patterns to help in diagnosis of phonological disorders which comprise the largest group of speech sound disorders. Single word tests are fast and effective ways for assessment; selection criteria for test words; phonetic transcription; and analysis methods are discussed in this book in addition to etiology; diagnostic criteria; subtypes; comprehensive assessment; and prognosis of speech sound disorders. This book is a guide for phoniatricians and speech-language pathologists for the better understanding of phonological error patterns and comprehensive diagnosis of speech sound disorders.