Classification of Subgroups of Children with Speech Sound Disorders: A Preliminary Study

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine the distribution tendency when classifying subgroups of children with speech sound disorders according to linguistic symptomatology, which are divided into subtypes of speech sound disorders based on the error patterns and inconsistency. Methods: Based on the error patterns and consistency of speech production, 133 children aged 3-9 years were divided into 4 groups; articulation disorder, phonological delay, consistent phonological disorder, and inconsistent phonological disorder. In addition, we examined the differences in age, percentage of consonants correct, and vocabulary by subgroups of speech sound disorders. Results: The results showed that of 133 children, 30.08% had an articulation disorder, 44.36% had a phonological delay, 18.05% had a consistent phonological disorder, and 7.52% had an inconsistent phonological disorder. There was a significant difference in age distribution according to subgroups of speech sound disorders, and age of children with articulation disorder was significantly higher than other groups. Speech severity was significantly higher in children with consistent and inconsistent phonological disorders than in children with articulation disorders and phonological delays. Receptive and expressive vocabulary did not differ between subgroups of speech sound disorders. Conclusion: This study examined linguistic symptomatology for differential diagnosis. This will be the basis for accurate differential diagnosis of children with speech sound disorders and provide effective interventions for each subgroups.