The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), emphasizes the difficulty in identifying and treating Speech Sound Disorders. The differentiation that exists between organic and functional speech sound disorders is emphasized by the phrase “There are two types of speech sound disorders: organic and functional.” The underlying motor/neurological, structural, or sensory/perceptual origin of organic speech sound abnormalities is revealed, underscoring the breadth of knowledge needed to successfully address these disorders. The significance of cultural competency in speech-language pathology was highlighted by learning about the frequency of accents and dialects and their effects on speech sound abnormalities.
This stuck with me because it emphasizes the value of a therapeutic approach that is nuanced and respectful of language variety.
Considering the detailed discussion on the nature of functional speech sound disorders, how do SLPs navigate the challenge of diagnosing a speech sound disorder versus recognizing the effects of bilingualism or multilingualism? The reading clarifies that “Functional speech sound disorders are idiopathic they have no known cause,” which raises the question: What specific evidence-based practices or assessment tools do SLPs utilize to distinguish between a disorder and linguistic variations, and why is this differentiation essential for formulating effective, personalized treatment plans? My inquiry is driven by an interest in how practitioners incorporate linguistic competence into their evaluations and treatment plans to effectively support the linguistic diversity of their clients.
