01/05/2026
Why do speech sound errors happen?
Dodd’s classification of speech sound disorders (1995, 2005) helps speech-language pathologists go beyond ‘what’ sounds are wrong-to understand ‘why’.
Some children have a motor-based issue (articulation disorder or childhood apraxia of speech). Others have a rule-based issue (phonological delay or consistent phonological disorder).
🚨It’s not always either/or!
Many children show both articulation and phonological components. Always look at the whole system before labeling.
Tips to Remember:
➡️Check for consistency—same error every time or variable?
➡️Identify pattern types—typical for younger kids (delay) or unusual (disorder).
➡️Test phonological awareness and language—they often go hand-in-hand with SSDs.
➡️Do a thorough oral-mech exam to rule out subtle motor issues.
➡️Watch prosody and stress—inconsistent rhythm may signal CAS.
When you understand the ‘why’, you can target therapy that’s efficient, evidence-based, and meaningful. 🩷
