How To Identify Phonological Disorder.

• 1). Look for a failure in ability to use developmentally expected speech sounds that are appropriate for age and dialect. Examples of this would be errors in sound production, use, representation, or organization such as but not limited to substitutions of one sound (using 't' for 'k'" or omissions of sounds such as final consonants. This can usually be identified as speech develops. Communicate regularly to check to see if the same errors in sound production persists repeatedly. If this pattern is noted, Phonological Disorder may be a possibility.
  
  
• 2). Look for difficulties in speech sound production which interfere with academic or occupational achievement or with social communication. This is not to be confused with other communication disorders such as expressive language disorder or mixed receptive-expressive language disorder. This particular disorder relates specifically to the sounds of letters and sounds related to speech. These difficulties must be persistent enough to regularly interfere with the areas listed above.
  
  
• 3). Consult an educator or specialist specifically trained in speech and/or communication disorders for further evaluation. They may also be able to recommend a specific intervention plan to aid in any performance or academic issues which may evolve from this disorder. Consulting a specialist can lead to a better understanding of this disorder. Also, there are recommendations these experts can suggest to parents or caregivers to assist in the development of the child struggling with this disorder. As others have been diagnosed with this difficulty, there are other parents who understand the struggles this entails. Professionals may be able to recommend support groups which can allow parents to interact and provide useful suggestion and encouragement.