Episode 3: Speech norms, eligibility for speech treatment, and advocacy with Holly Storkel and Kelly Farquharson
Feb 27, 2019
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Expert in speech treatment and eligibility, Holly Storkel, and advocate for 'artic' kids, Kelly Farquharson, discuss controversies surrounding speech treatment eligibility, speech sound norms, and advocating for children with speech sound disorders. They highlight the impact of new speech norms on clinical practice, the importance of recognizing and advocating for developmental language disorder and speech sound disorder, and share their favorite children's books as potential therapeutic tools for targeting correct speech production.
Speech norms should be seen as a guide, not the sole determining factor for diagnoses.
Speech sound development is influenced by various factors beyond age or norm.
Clinicians should consider multiple measures and evaluation to accurately assess speech sound development.
Deep dives
The importance of speech sound disorders forum
Holly Storkel and Kelly Farquharson discuss their clinical forum on speech sound disorders, which addresses controversies surrounding speech sound norms, variability in eligibility for speech services in schools, and the collaboration between researchers and clinicians to advocate for best practices.
Why speech norms are perceived as new
Holly Storkel explains that the perception of speech norms as new is due to their recent publication and the slight differences they present compared to previous norms. Norms are established through cross-sectional studies and set benchmarks for typical development, although they do not reflect individual development. Norms are a useful guide but should not be the sole factor for making diagnoses.
The complexity of speech sound development
Holly Storkel and Kelly Farquharson discuss how speech sound development is influenced by different factors, such as language-specific characteristics and exposure. They emphasize the importance of understanding the phonological system and the need to consider broader aspects of development beyond a single age or norm.
Speech norms in clinical practice
Holly Storkel and Kelly Farquharson encourage clinicians to consider speech norms as one piece of the diagnostic puzzle rather than the sole determining factor. They stress the need for multiple measures and further evaluation to accurately assess a child's speech sound development and determine appropriate interventions.
The impact of speech sound disorders on literacy
Kelly Farquharson highlights the connection between speech sound disorders and literacy skills, such as phonological awareness and spelling. She emphasizes the importance of considering the functional impact of speech sound errors on a child's educational outcomes and advocates for early intervention to support language and literacy development.