Speech Sound Disorder (SSD) Clinical Decision Support
Clinical decision support for speech assessment. Use alongside case history, connected speech, hearing, speech systems, language and participation assessment.
1. Child and assessor details
2. Assessment tool used
3. Phonological processes
Age-Appropriate / Delayed Phonological Processes
Disordered / Unusual Patterns
These patterns are unusual at any age. One or more confirmed unusual/disordered processes is indicative of Consistent Phonological Disorder. Delayed and age-appropriate patterns may also be present, but only ONE phonological diagnosis is given. Articulation Disorder may co-occur with ONE phonological diagnosis.
4. Stimulability after word assessment
First assess word production. Circle every phoneme not realised on target. Then ask the child to imitate each circled phone in isolation. Another English phone suggests Articulation Disorder with Phonological Implications; a non-English/distorted phone suggests Articulation Disorder: Distortion.
5. Hearing
6. Speech Systems Examination
This is a brief, routine screening assessment of the articulators to identify areas for further investigation.
Please ensure you inspect the vocal tract for any differences.
Lips
Teeth
Tongue
Hard Palate
Palatopharyngeal mechanism
Observations
Outcome and action
7. DEAP Word Inconsistency
Do not include items named only once.
Example: 12 ÷ 25 × 100 = 48%.
Score: 0%
8. Wider language skills
9. Outcome Measures
10. Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)
11. SLT Notes and Observations
Analysis
Sources
Normative data: Pert, S. (2026). Procedure for assessing children’s speech, 8th edition; adapted from Dodd, B., Holm, A., Hua, Z., & Crosbie, S. (2003). Clinical Linguistics & Phonetics, 17(8), 617–643.
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