Last week, we shared a review of articulation approaches. Now, we’re diving into a case study for the Traditional Approach.
A Case Study for the Traditional Approach
Casey, an eleven-year-old fifth-grade girl, had difficulty producing the “r” and “th” sounds (/r, ɚ, ɝ, ɪr, ɜr, ɑr, ɔr, θ, ð/). Results of a speech-language evaluation reveal a speech sound disorder characterized by sound substitutions (e.g., /ə/ for /ɚ/, /w/ for /r/, /s/ for /θ/, and /d/ for /ð/). When given verbal and visual cues, Casey is stimulable for these sounds; however she has more difficulty with vocalic /r/ than the others. Although her speech is reportedly about 90% intelligible to most listeners, Casey’s peers are starting to comment on her speech as “baby talk” Casey’s teacher says that she is a hard worker and performs average to above average in most subjects. The teacher has noticed that Casey is reluctant to participate in class and worries about her self-confidence as she approaches the sixth grade.
Sample Target Selection for the Traditional Approach
We’ll start with earlier developing sounds and move towards the sounds that are developed later.
1. Initial /r/ in isolation until benchmark level is met (e.g., 80% accuracy)
• Progress to trials in syllables, words, phrases, sentences.
• Continue trials at each level until benchmark is met (e.g., 80% accuracy over ___ consecutive sessions).
2. Voiced “th” in isolation until benchmark level is met (e.g., 80% accuracy)
• Progress to trials in syllables, words, phrases, sentences.
• Continue trials at each level until benchmark is met (e.g., 80% accuracy over ___ consecutive sessions).
3. Voiceless “th” in isolation until benchmark level is met (e.g., 80% accuracy)
• Progress to trials in syllables, words, phrases, sentences.
• Continue trials at each level until benchmark is met (e.g., 80% accuracy over ___ consecutive sessions).
Sample Goals for the Traditional Approach
Long-Term Goal (Example)
Casey will produce /r/ in 4-5 word sentences with 80% accuracy during structured language activities given verbal and/or visual cues by ____.
Short-Term Goal (Example)
Casey will produce /r/ in 2-3 word phrases with 80% accuracy during structured language activities given verbal and/or visual cues by ____.
Sample Strategies for the Traditional Approach
Provide verbal and visual cues (e.g., providing a mirror for feedback) as needed, explaining and demonstrating placement.
Sample Activities for the Traditional Approach
I love using the SLP Now Articulation Stickers! This blog post shows how you can use them to create perfectly tailored activities for your students.
Home Speech Home offers free targeted word lists for easy practice.
Mommy Speech Therapy also offers free worksheets!
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