Articulation
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Articulation is the physical production of speech sounds using the lips, tongue, teeth, jaw and palate.
Topic: Speech and language
In plain terms
An articulation disorder means a student has trouble producing particular sounds, such as saying "wabbit" for "rabbit" or a lisp on /s/. Sounds develop at different ages, so an error that is typical at age 4 may be a concern at age 8. Therapy usually moves from sounds alone to syllables, words, phrases, sentences and conversation.
How it shows up in an IEP
Articulation goals name the sound, the position in words and the level: "will produce /r/ in the initial position of words with 80% accuracy." Data is usually trial-based, and the long-term target is correct sounds in everyday conversation.
Example
A second grader produces /s/ correctly in 30% of words at baseline. After weekly therapy, the student reaches 85% in sentences and begins working on /s/ in reading aloud.
Not the same as Phonological process
An articulation error is about producing a specific sound. A phonological process is a pattern of errors that affects a whole group of sounds. Read the definition of Phonological process.
Related terms
- Phonological processA phonological process is a predictable pattern young children use to simplify speech, such as dropping final sounds or saying t for k.
- IntelligibilityIntelligibility is how much of a person's speech a listener can understand, often given as a percent of words understood.
- CarryoverCarryover is using a skill learned in therapy, such as a corrected speech sound, automatically in everyday settings and conversation.
- SLP (speech-language pathologist)An SLP is a licensed professional who evaluates and treats speech, language, voice, fluency, social communication and swallowing disorders.
- Childhood apraxia of speechChildhood apraxia of speech is a motor speech disorder in which a child has trouble planning and coordinating the movements needed for speech.
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