A child consistently substitutes sounds when speaking. Which treatment target is most helpful?

A child consistently substitutes sounds when speaking. Which treatment target is most helpful?

• A. Bisyllabic words for which a minimal-contrast pair can be easily identified
• B. Words containing phonemes that are similar to the child's error sound
• C. Repeated practice with phoneme combinations that are easy for the child
• D. Words that contrast the child's error with the target pattern

Answer: (D)

Choosing words that contrast the child's error with the target pattern is an effective strategy for addressing sound substitution issues. This approach emphasizes the differences between the incorrect and correct sounds, making it easier for the child to recognize and produce the target phoneme. By using contrasting pairs, the child can clearly hear and see the distinction between their error and the correct production. For example, if a child is substituting the sound /s/ for /θ/ (as in "thin" vs. "sin"), working with pairs like "think" and "sink" can reinforce the correct articulation type. This contrast aids in developing phonemic awareness and promotes self-monitoring skills as the child practices. While other choices might also have merit in certain contexts, they do not focus directly on emphasizing the differences that can lead to clearer understanding and improvement in sound production. For instance, focusing on bisyllabic words or phoneme combinations may help with fluency and ease of production but lacks the explicit contrast that could drive a child’s ability to perceive and correct their specific speech errors effectively. Similarly, working with similar sounds may reinforce incorrect patterns instead of fostering awareness of the correct target sound.

Choosing words that contrast the child's error with the target pattern is an effective strategy for addressing sound substitution issues. This approach emphasizes the differences between the incorrect and correct sounds, making it easier for the child to recognize and produce the target phoneme.

By using contrasting pairs, the child can clearly hear and see the distinction between their error and the correct production. For example, if a child is substituting the sound /s/ for /θ/ (as in "thin" vs. "sin"), working with pairs like "think" and "sink" can reinforce the correct articulation type. This contrast aids in developing phonemic awareness and promotes self-monitoring skills as the child practices.

While other choices might also have merit in certain contexts, they do not focus directly on emphasizing the differences that can lead to clearer understanding and improvement in sound production. For instance, focusing on bisyllabic words or phoneme combinations may help with fluency and ease of production but lacks the explicit contrast that could drive a child’s ability to perceive and correct their specific speech errors effectively. Similarly, working with similar sounds may reinforce incorrect patterns instead of fostering awareness of the correct target sound.