Abstract
When assessing toddler speech sound productions, speech-language pathologists (SLPs)
must be mindful of several important but not insurmountable limitations inherent to
working with this young population for whom speech sound production may be of concern.
These limitations include: (1) inconsistencies in recommended connected speech sampling
size and phonetic transcription accuracy, (2) the prevalence of typical intraword
variability for toddlers, (3) limited information regarding the reliability of informal
measures of analysis, and (4) irregularities in available normative data for referencing
speech sound development and mastery. This article includes a discussion of these
factors, an overview of key assessment tools for single-word and connected-speech
sampling, advice for current evidence-based practice procedures, and a thorough but
not exhaustive listing of opportunities to improve clinical practice in this area.
Despite limitations, SLPs working with toddlers have some tools and resources available
to facilitate diagnostic procedures that allow for authentic decision-making regarding
access to therapeutic services.
Keywords
assessment - children - early childhood - phonology - speech
