What is phonology?
Phonology refers to the sounds we use in words when speaking – think of the phonic sounds that children learn at school as they learn to read. Children will “sound out” the letters rather than using their names e.g. “ssss” rather than the name “es” for the letter “s”.
When we think about speech sounds for talking there is not always a direct link between the letter we use in reading and writing and how words are said. For example, the “sss” sound is written as “s” in the word “sun” but as a “c” in the word “ceiling”. When a speech and language therapist assesses a childs speech they are listening to how the child says target sounds when they say words NOT if they can recognise the sounds the letters make. As speech and language therapists our focus is on using sounds when speaking rather than letters in reading and writing. However, having difficulties producing speech sounds when taking can impact a child’s literacy skills so it is important that home, school and speech and language therapy all work together to support a child with speech needs.
Children with speech needs find it hard to produce certain speech sounds which means other people can sometimes struggle to understand what the child is saying. Difficulty producing speech sounds can happen for many different reasons, some of these are listed below:
- Articulation difficulties - difficulty moving the tongue, lips or palate to make sounds
- Phonological awareness - difficulty discriminating between different speech sounds
- Hearing impairment - difficulty hearing speech sounds accurately
- Cleft lip and/or palate - a structural change within the mouth which impacts speech
- Developmental delay or additional learning needs - these can impact speech development
- Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) - a motor speech disorder
Sometimes children can become frustrated or reluctant to speak if other people do not understand what they are say. In other cases, children may be unaware of their sound difficulties and seem unphased by them. Every child is different, but it is important that we support them to grow in confidence with their communication skills.
Speech and language therapists work with a wide range of children with speech needs which occur for many different reasons. In all cases the first appointment will include an assessment where the therapist can listen to a child's speech and identify any sound production differences which are occurring. This assessment will be child friendly – usually we do this though play based activities or by looking at pictures which the child is asked to name or describe.
The therapist may want to see if your child is able listen to and tell the difference between specific sounds. They may also ask your child to imitate some speech sounds. All these activities will be completed in a child friendly way to encourage your child to feel confident to engage with the assessment.
Speech and language therapists work in a range of health care clinics across the Fylde coast. Initial appointments are offered in clinics and if a child requires a block of therapy this will usually be offered at the same clinic. We normally offer the appointments at the clinic closest to where you live but you can request a different clinic if you would prefer to attend at an alternative location. Occasionally we can arrange school or home visits, if required, but these would be discussed with you before they are arranged.
For speech sound/phonology workshops visit our workshops page.
