The Effect of Exemplar Variability in the Treatment of Functional Speech Sound Disorders
Publisher
The University of Arizona.Rights
Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction, presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.Abstract
Purpose: This study examined the effect of high- vs. low-exemplar variability practice in the treatment of functional speech sound disorders in children. Method: Sixteen children with dual diagnoses of functional speech sound disorders and developmental language disorder received treatment for their speech sound errors. Treatment targeted a singleton speech sound in word-initial position, five-days per week during a six-week summer language program. Half of the children practiced their speech sound target in 24 unique words (high-exemplar variability practice condition) and the other half practiced production of their speech sound target in six unique words repeated four times each (low-exemplar variability practice condition). Generalization probes were used to measure speech sound target learning. Results: Both the high-variability and low-variability conditions produced significant change in the children’s use of their speech sound target posttreatment. No statistical difference was found between conditions; however, the low-variability condition evidenced slightly larger gains. Conclusion: Differences in exemplar variability practice did not significantly influence treatment outcomes for children with functional speech sound disorders. Daily treatment sessions of short duration are a viable service-delivery model for the treatment of functional speech sound disorders.Type
textElectronic Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.Degree Level
doctoralDegree Program
Graduate CollegeSpeech, Language, & Hearing Sciences