Intra-word accuracy and consistency in Finnish-speaking children with speech sound disorder compared to their typically developing peers

This study examined intra-word accuracy and consistency in 32 preschool-aged Finnish-speaking children with speech sound disorder (SSD) compared to their typically developing (TD) age- and gender-matched peers. Accuracy and consistency of speech production were assessed by a picture-naming task repeated three times in one assessment session. Responses were classified into four categories: 1) consistently correct, 2) consistently incorrect, 3) variable with hits (when a child’s variable responses included at least one matched with the adult target), and 4) variable with no hits (when responses included at least two different response types without the matched adult target). In addition, relationships between intra-word accuracy and consistency and children’s receptive vocabulary knowledge and articulatory ability based on spontaneous speech samples were investigated. The findings showed that the children with SSD produced significantly more often ‘consistently incorrect’ and ‘variable with no hits’ responses than the TD children. There was a significant negative correlation between ‘variable with no hits’ responses and receptive vocabulary knowledge and articulatory abilities among the children with SSD. As intra-word accuracy and consistency has not previously been studied in Finnish children with SSD, the findings highlighted the need for drafting guidelines for assessment and intervention by paying close attention to high intra-word variability without correct word forms already from age three onwards.