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 |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Sae Mi Hong (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. 2026 69(3):860-873. |
| Availability: | American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 2200 Research Blvd #250, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel: 301-296-5700; Fax: 301-296-8580; e-mail: slhr@asha.org; Web site: http://jslhr.pubs.asha.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 14 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Preschool Children, Premature Infants, Perinatal Influences, Predictor Variables, Speech Communication, Phonetics, Identification, Individual Characteristics, Longitudinal Studies |
| Geographic Terms: | South Korea (Seoul) |
| DOI: | 10.1044/2025_JSLHR-25-00166 |
| ISSN: | 1092-4388 1558-9102 |
| 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. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1499602 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| 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. |
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| ISSN: | 1092-4388 1558-9102 |
| DOI: | 10.1044/2025_JSLHR-25-00166 |
