Speech Sound Disorders & Reading: The Importance of Early Intervention
It can be easy to brush off a young child’s mispronunciation. After all, it’s kind of cute when they say “hink” instead of “pink” or “amimals” instead of “animals.” But, those mispronunciations can be a sign of a speech sound disorder, and that can have a profound and lasting impact on a child’s reading abilities.
Speech Sound Disorders
Speech sound disorders (SSDs), which affect the way a person produces and uses sounds, often present in early childhood. They can manifest as difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, substituting sounds for others, or omitting sounds altogether. And, while these issues may seem minor, research has shown a strong link between SSDs and subsequent difficulties in reading acquisition and development.
The Impact on Reading
SSDs negatively affect reading in multiple ways:
Hinder phonological awareness - The ability to recognize and manipulate sounds within words is a foundational skill crucial for learning to read because it allows children to sound out words and decode their meanings.
Confuse letter-sound correspondence - Understanding the relationship between spoken sounds and written letters is essential for reading and spelling.
Inhibit reading fluency -The ability to read accurately, quickly, and with expression greatly impacts reading comprehension and the overall enjoyment of reading.
Diminish self-esteem and motivation - A struggling reader can experience frustration, anxiety, and lowered self-esteem, which can then further hinder their progress and motivation to read.
The Necessity of Early Intervention
Due to SSDs impact on reading alone, early intervention is vital. By taking action sooner rather than later, you are able to:
Take advantage of brain plasticity - Young children's brains are incredibly adaptable, and early intervention can take advantage of this plasticity to rewire neural pathways and improve speech production.
Prevent reading difficulties - By addressing SSDs early on, we can prevent the cascading effects on reading development, setting children up for success in literacy.
Improve academic outcomes - Research has shown that early intervention for SSDs can lead to better reading outcomes, which directly impacts improved academic performance.
Boost confidence and self-esteem - Early intervention can help children develop confidence in their communication abilities and build self-esteem, both essential ingredients for successful learning and overall well-being.
Addressing SSDs at an early age is not just about improving speech. It's about unlocking a child's full potential for literacy and academic success! And that’s one of the reasons we do what we do, here at KLC. We’re honored that we can play a role in setting children on a path towards becoming confident, capable readers who enjoy the lifelong benefits of literacy.
Written by Ashlie Thomas, Contributing Writer