SLP Resources
Speech Sound Development Norms in Clinical Practice
This speech sound development chart for the United States is based on a review by Crowe and McLeod (2020). By each age listed, more than 90% of children have mastered the corresponding set of speech sounds. For example, 90% of children have mastered /t, k, g, ŋ, f/ and /j/ by age three. Clinicians can can use this chart as a preliminary tool to identify a need for assessment in conversations with parents and educators alike.
Other clinical implications from the Crowe and McLeod (2020) article involve examining the typical age range for the acquisition of speech sounds to aid in the differentiation between developmental speech patterns and a potential speech sound disorder. Integration of these norms with standardized assessments, error analysis, and stimulability testing is crucial for a comprehensive evaluation. According to Storkel (2019), this multifaceted approach is considered best practice for identifying speech sound disorders and determining eligibility for school-based services. This data empowers us to make informed clinical decisions and provide targeted support to our clients.
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