Introduction
As a practitioner working with children who have speech sound disorders (SSD), you are likely aware of the various challenges these children face. Recent research has provided new insights into how auditory and visual sustained attention deficits can impact children with SSD. This blog aims to help you improve your skills by implementing the outcomes of this research or encouraging you to delve deeper into this topic.
Understanding the Research
The study titled Auditory and Visual Sustained Attention in Children with Speech Sound Disorder investigated the performance of children with SSD on auditory and visual sustained attention tasks. The research involved 55 children, including 18 diagnosed with SSD and 37 typically developing (TD) children. The findings revealed that children with SSD performed worse on these tasks, committing more auditory false alarms and showing a significant decline in performance over time on the auditory detection task.
Key Findings
- Children with SSD exhibited poorer performance in auditory sustained attention tasks compared to their TD peers.
- They committed a greater number of auditory false alarms.
- There was a significant decline in their performance over the course of the auditory detection task.
Implications for Practice
These findings have several implications for practitioners:
- Focus on Auditory Attention: Given the deficits in auditory sustained attention, incorporating specific auditory attention exercises into therapy sessions could be beneficial.
- Monitor Performance Over Time: Be aware of potential declines in performance over time. Implement strategies to maintain engagement and focus, such as breaking tasks into shorter, more manageable segments.
- Address Impulsivity: The increased number of false alarms suggests impulsivity issues. Incorporate activities that promote impulse control and inhibitory skills.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, it also highlights the need for further research. Understanding the specific nature of these deficits and their clinical implications can lead to more effective intervention strategies. As a practitioner, you can contribute to this growing body of knowledge by conducting your own research or collaborating with academic institutions.
Conclusion
Children with SSD face unique challenges that extend beyond speech production. By understanding and addressing their sustained attention deficits, we can create more effective therapy programs that lead to better outcomes. Stay informed and consider integrating these research findings into your practice to enhance the support you provide to children with SSD.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Auditory and Visual Sustained Attention in Children with Speech Sound Disorder.
