Speech Sound Disorder

A Speech Sound Disorder (SSD) is a communication challenge where a person has difficulty producing or using sounds correctly. This can affect their ability to speak clearly and be understood by others. SSDs are often seen in children as they develop language skills, but they can also persist into adulthood.

There are two main types of SSDs:

• Articulation disorders: These involve difficulty physically producing specific sounds. For example, a child might say “wabbit” instead of “rabbit” or “thoup” instead of “soup.”
• Phonological disorders: These involve patterns of sound errors, such as replacing all “k” sounds with “t” sounds.

While the exact causes of SSDs can vary, they can be influenced by factors like hearing loss, structural issues in the mouth, or neurological conditions. Speech-language therapy is the primary treatment for SSDs, helping individuals improve their sound production, language skills, and overall communication.