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Speech Sound Development in Preterm Children Aged 3-4 Years: A Retrospective Observational Study.

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Title: Speech Sound Development in Preterm Children Aged 3-4 Years: A Retrospective Observational Study.
Authors: Hong, Sae Mi1, Sim, Hyun Sub2 simhs@ewha.ac.kr, Ko, Eun Jae3 ejko.amc@gmail.com, Kim, Young Tae2, Yim, Dongsun2, Ha, Seunghee4
Source: Journal of Speech, Language & Hearing Research. Mar2026, Vol. 69 Issue 3, p860-873. 14p.
Subject Terms: *Articulation disorders, *Data analysis, *Retrospective studies, *Verbal behavior testing, *Longitudinal method, *Child development, *Language acquisition, *Articulation (Speech), *Children, Risk assessment, Pearson correlation (Statistics), Scientific observation, Logistic regression analysis, Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, Descriptive statistics, Chi-squared test, Gestational age, Statistics, Phonetics, Data analysis software, Birth weight, Disease risk factors
Abstract: Purpose: Despite advancements in improving survival rates, children born prematurely face high risks of neurodevelopmental delays, including speech sound disorders. This study aimed to (a) identify speech sound development trajectories in preterm children, (b) examine associated clinical and developmental characteristics, (c) analyze factors related to speech sound abilities, and (d) identify predictors of speech sound normalization. Method: In this retrospective longitudinal study, 80 preterm children (born < 37 weeks of gestation, birth weight < 2.5 kg) were assessed for speech sound development. Based on percent consonants correct (PCC) scores at ages 3 and 4 years, children were categorized into four trajectory groups: normal, abnormal, catch-up, and growing into deficit. Analyses included trajectory comparisons, correlations between PCC and gestational age, birth weight, and cognitive/motor/language abilities, as well as examination of predictors of speech sound normalization. Results: Over half of the children (51.3%) exhibited an abnormal trajectory, while 26.2% showed normal development, 20.0% demonstrated a catch-up trajectory, and 2.5% followed a growing-into-deficit pattern. Significant group differences were observed for sex, history of language intervention, and language abilities. PCC was significantly correlated with language quotients across ages. No significant factors predicted the normalization of speech sounds from ages 3 to 4 years. Conclusions: Preterm children are at considerable risk for persistent speech sound difficulties, which are closely linked to speech-language abilities. Given the lack of predictors of normalization outcomes, universal monitoring and comprehensive language-based interventions are recommended for preterm children with and without delayed speech sound development at age 3 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Education Research Complete
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Abstract:Purpose: Despite advancements in improving survival rates, children born prematurely face high risks of neurodevelopmental delays, including speech sound disorders. This study aimed to (a) identify speech sound development trajectories in preterm children, (b) examine associated clinical and developmental characteristics, (c) analyze factors related to speech sound abilities, and (d) identify predictors of speech sound normalization. Method: In this retrospective longitudinal study, 80 preterm children (born < 37 weeks of gestation, birth weight < 2.5 kg) were assessed for speech sound development. Based on percent consonants correct (PCC) scores at ages 3 and 4 years, children were categorized into four trajectory groups: normal, abnormal, catch-up, and growing into deficit. Analyses included trajectory comparisons, correlations between PCC and gestational age, birth weight, and cognitive/motor/language abilities, as well as examination of predictors of speech sound normalization. Results: Over half of the children (51.3%) exhibited an abnormal trajectory, while 26.2% showed normal development, 20.0% demonstrated a catch-up trajectory, and 2.5% followed a growing-into-deficit pattern. Significant group differences were observed for sex, history of language intervention, and language abilities. PCC was significantly correlated with language quotients across ages. No significant factors predicted the normalization of speech sounds from ages 3 to 4 years. Conclusions: Preterm children are at considerable risk for persistent speech sound difficulties, which are closely linked to speech-language abilities. Given the lack of predictors of normalization outcomes, universal monitoring and comprehensive language-based interventions are recommended for preterm children with and without delayed speech sound development at age 3 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:10924388
DOI:10.1044/2025_JSLHR-25-00166