Targeting metaphonological ability in intervention for children with developmental phonological disorders

Abstract

Thirty-one children with isolated phonological disorders participated in a speech and language therapy programme targeted at improving metaphono-logical ability. Assessments were designed that were sensitive to the potential changes made in metaphonological awareness and speech output as a result of therapy. Metaphonological abilities improved significantly as a result of therapy (in comparison with non-treated control children). Post-therapy measures demonstrated that speech and language therapy was highly effective in improving the speech output of children with isolated phonological disorders after controlling for maturational effects. Consideration is given to whether initial metaphonological status influences outcome and whether having good or poor initial metaphonological skills indicates a child’s readiness to benefit from phonological therapy.