The Relationship between Speech Sound Disorder and Cortical Auditory Evoked Potential.

INTRODUCTION: Speech sound disorder (SSD) is a speech and language disorder associated with difficulties in motor production, perception, and phonological representation of sounds and speech segments. Since auditory perception has a fundamental role in forming and organizing sound representation for its recognition, studies that evaluate the cortical processing of sounds are required. Thus, the present study aimed to verify the relation between SSD severity measured by the percentage of correct consonants (PCCs) with the cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) using speech stimulus. METHODS: Twenty-nine children with normal hearing participated in this research and were grouped into three groups by SSD level measured by the PCC index. In addition, the groups were subdivided according to the children's age group: between 60-71 months, 72-83 months, and 83-94 months. The CAEP with speech stimulus was carried out in all children. RESULTS: Older children had longer P1 and N1 latencies. In P2 latency, there was an interference of age only in the severe group. The N2 latency was affected by age, where older children had longer latency. CONCLUSION: The amplitude of CAEP has not suffered any interference with the age, or severity of SSD. For the latency, older children generally presented longer averages than younger ones.

Characterization of the phonological system in low-income Brazilian preschoolers.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to characterize the phonological skills of low-income preschool children in a city in the Natal in the Northeast, Brazil. METHODS: The researchers assessed the phonological skills of 90 children (from 5 to 6:11) in early childhood education in three public schools located in regions of social and economic vulnerability. The evaluators used the phonology subtests of the Test of Childhood language (ABFW) children's language test. In addition to performing the standard analysis they examined the following: Phonological Processes (PP), Percentage of Correct Consonants (PCC), Percentage of Correct Consonants Revised (PCC-R), and Process Density Index (PDI). The Spearman's Correlation Coefficient test was used to analyze for correlations among the PCC, PCC-R, and PDI. RESULTS: According to the cutoff values of children who speak Brazilian Portuguese (BP), adequacy of the PCC and PCC-R values was observed in most participants (PCC: 82 children - 91.1%; PCC-R: 87 children - 94.6%). The processes of liquid simplification (LS), consonant clusters simplification (CCS), final consonant simplification (FCS) were productive of which the CCS (32.2%) and FCS (20%) are still expected for age and LS are not. There was a robust negative correlation between the variables PCC x PDI and PCC-R x PDI. CONCLUSION: Most children showed adequate phonological development. Variations were observed in syllabic segments, especially in the coda, which reflect the influence of regional linguistic differences. The evidence obtained regarding the phonological performance of children within this region contributes to a more accurate speech-language diagnosis.

Characterization of the phonological system in low-income Brazilian preschoolers / Caracterização do sistema fonológico em pré-escolares de baixa renda

ABSTRACT Purpose The purpose of this study is to characterize the phonological skills of low-income preschool children in a city in the Natal in the Northeast, Brazil. Methods The researchers assessed the phonological skills of 90 children (from 5 to 6:11) in early childhood education in three public schools located in regions of social and economic vulnerability. The evaluators used the phonology subtests of the Test of Childhood language (ABFW) children's language test. In addition to performing the standard analysis they examined the following: Phonological Processes (PP), Percentage of Correct Consonants (PCC), Percentage of Correct Consonants Revised (PCC-R), and Process Density Index (PDI). The Spearman's Correlation Coefficient test was used to analyze for correlations among the PCC, PCC-R, and PDI. Results According to the cutoff values of children who speak Brazilian Portuguese (BP), adequacy of the PCC and PCC-R values was observed in most participants (PCC: 82 children - 91.1%; PCC-R: 87 children - 94.6%). The processes of liquid simplification (LS), consonant clusters simplification (CCS), final consonant simplification (FCS) were productive of which the CCS (32.2%) and FCS (20%) are still expected for age and LS are not. There was a robust negative correlation between the variables PCC x PDI and PCC-R x PDI. Conclusion Most children showed adequate phonological development. Variations were observed in syllabic segments, especially in the coda, which reflect the influence of regional linguistic differences. The evidence obtained regarding the phonological performance of children within this region contributes to a more accurate speech-language diagnosis.

RESUMO Objetivo Caracterizar o sistema fonológico de crianças pré-escolares de baixa renda da cidade de Natal, Nordeste do Brasil. Método Foi analisado o nível fonológico de 90 crianças da educação infantil de três escolas públicas localizadas em regiões de vulnerabilidade social. Foi utilizado o instrumento ABFW, nomeação e imitação, por meio da análise tradicional e das medidas de Porcentagem de Consoantes Corretas (PCC), Porcentagem de Consoantes Corretas Revisado (PCC-R) e Índice de Ocorrência de Processos (PDI). Para análise estatística inferencial foi utilizado o teste do Coeficiente de Correlação de Spearman para analisar a correlação entre as variáveis PCC, PCC-R e PDI. Resultados De acordo com os valores de corte das crianças que falam Português Brasileiro (PB), a adequação dos valores da PCC e PCC-R foi observada na maioria dos participantes (PCC: 82 crianças - 91,1%; PCC R: 87 crianças - 94,6%). Os processos de simplificação de líquidas (SL), simplificação de encontros consonantais (SEC), simplificação de consoante final (SCF) foram produtivos dos quais o CCS (32,2%) e FCS (20%) ainda são esperados para a idade e SL não. Houve correlação negativa muito forte entre as variáveis PCC x PDI e PCC-R x PDI. Conclusão A maioria das crianças apresentou desenvolvimento fonológico adequado. Foram observadas variações nos segmentos silábicos, principalmente na coda, que refletem a influência das diferenças linguísticas regionais. As evidências obtidas sobre o desempenho fonológico das crianças dessa região contribuem para um diagnóstico fonoaudiológico mais preciso.

Oral and Laryngeal Articulation Control of Voicing in Children with and without Speech Sound Disorders.

Voicing contrast is hard to master during speech motor development, and the phonological process of consonant devoicing is very frequent in children with Speech Sound Disorders (SSD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterise the oral and laryngeal articulation control strategies used by children with and without SSD as a function of place of articulation. The articulation rate and relative oral airflow amplitude (flow) were used to analyse how children controlled oral articulation; fundamental frequency (fo), open quotient (OQ), and a classification of voicing were used to explore laryngeal behaviour. Data from detailed speech and language assessments, oral airflow and electroglottography signals were collected from 13 children with SSD and 17 children without SSD, aged 5; 0 to 7; 8, using picture naming tasks. Articulation rate and flow in children with and without SSD were not significantly different, but a statistically reliable effect of place on flow was found. Children with and without SSD used different relative fo (which captures changes in fo during the consonant-vowel transition) and OQ values, and place of articulation had an effect on the strength of voicing. All children used very similar oral articulation control of voicing, but children with SSD used less efficient laryngeal articulation strategies (higher subglottal damping and more air from the lungs expelled in each glottal cycle) than children without SSD.

Acoustic voice and spectrographic measures in children with the phonological process of devoicing.

INTRODUCTION: Children with speech sound disorders (SSDs) who present the devoicing of plosive and/or fricative sounds may have difficulties with glottal respiratory control. OBJECTIVE: To analyze acoustic vocal measures, spectrographic aspects and the risk of dysphonia among children with devoicing SDDs and compare the results with those of other groups of children. METHODS: Twenty-five boys aged between six and 12 years participated. They were divided into four groups: the SSD-devoicing (PPDG), dysphonia (DG), SSDs other than devoicing (PPOG) and control groups (CG). The vocal tasks were recorded, and perceptual-auditory and acoustic voice analyses were performed. The children's parents answered questions about voice-related aspects (to determine a dysphonia risk score). All data were compared among the groups. RESULTS: Due to the sample size, an effect size analysis was considered, and the results showed possible differences between the PPDG and the other groups in measures of fundamental frequency (F0), jitter, shimmer, harmonic-to-noise ratio, maximum frequency of harmonic definition and dysphonia risk score. CONCLUSIONS: The PPDG showed a high F0 and abnormal jitter and shimmer values. Although the voices of the children in this group had more harmonics than noise, the maximum frequency for defining the harmonics was very restricted. The PPDG had the lowest dysphonia risk score among all of the groups. Variations in F0, jitter and shimmer may indicate difficulties with controlling vocal adjustments, which appear to be hyperfunctional and not to impact vocal projection or voicing.

Neuronal plasticity of the auditory pathway in children with speech sound disorder: a study of Long-Latency Auditory Evoked Potentials. / Plasticidade neuronal da via auditiva em crianças com transtorno dos sons da fala: estudo dos Potenciais Evocados Auditivos de Longa Latência.

PURPOSE: To analyze the results of Long-latency Auditory Evoked Potentials (LLAEP) in children with Speech Sounds Disorder (SSD) after speech therapy. METHODS: Longitudinal and prospective clinical study at 14 children with SSD, with ages ranging from five to seven years, of both genders. Were applied Picture Naming task and Imitation task, and from these tasks it was calculated the Percentage of Consonants Correct index. For an analysis of the LLAEP with speech stimulus and recorded the latency and amplitude values ​​of P1, N1, P2, N2 and P3 components. Each child was evaluated in two different moments: initial evaluation and after 12 sessions of speech therapy. RESULTS: It was observed that after twelve sessions of speech therapy the value of Percentage of Consonants Correct index increased, and a greater number of components were observed in the LLAEP records of children with SSD, as well as a statistically significant increase in the amplitude of the P3 component, demonstrating that anatomical and physiological changes occurred in the central auditory nervous system after intervention, resulting in improved of the LLAEP results. CONCLUSION: After speech therapy, improvement in the children's phonology was observed, and there was an increase in the number of components present in the LLAEP, as well as an increase in the amplitude of the P3 component, demonstrating that plasticity occurred in the auditory pathway during these three months of therapeutic intervention.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os achados dos Potenciais Evocados Auditivos de Longa Latência (PEALL) em crianças com Transtorno dos Sons na Fala (TSF) após terapia fonoaudiológica. MÉTODO: Estudo clínico longitudinal e prospectivo em um grupo de 14 crianças com TSF, de cinco a sete anos de idade, de ambos os sexos. Foram aplicadas as provas de Nomeação de Figuras e Imitação de palavras, para as quais foi calculado o índice de gravidade Porcentagem de Consoantes Corretas. Foram registrados os PEALL com estímulo de fala e foram analisados os valores de latência e amplitude dos componentes P1, N1, P2, N2 e P3. Cada criança foi avaliada em dois diferentes momentos: avaliação inicial e após 12 sessões de terapia fonoaudiológica. RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostraram que após terapia fonoaudiológica, o valor do índice de gravidade Porcentagem de Consoantes Corretas aumentou e um maior número de componentes foi observado nos registros dos PEALL nas crianças com TSF. Também foi observado um aumento estatisticamente significativo na amplitude do componente P3, demostrando que modificações anatomofisiológicas ocorreram no sistema nervoso auditivo central após intervenção, proporcionando melhora nos resultados dos PEALL. CONCLUSÃO: Após terapia fonoaudiológica, foi observada melhora no desempenho fonológico das crianças, aumento no número de componentes presentes nos PEALL, bem como aumento na amplitude do componente P3, demonstrando que ocorreu plasticidade na via auditiva após um curto período de intervenção fonoaudiológica.

Phonological characteristics of European and Brazilian Portuguese in children with Speech Sound Disorders.

This study aims to describe and compare the phonological characteristics of European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese preschool and school age children with Speech Sound Disorders (SSD). Speech samples for the European Portuguese Group (EPG) (n = 13) were collected using Subteste Fonético e Fonológico of Teste Fonético e Fonológico Avaliação da Linguagem Pré-Escolar. For the Brazilian Portuguese Group (BPG) (n = 13) Prova de Nomeação de Fonologia of Teste de Linguagem Infantil ABFW was applied. Different phonological measures were considered. Groups were matched according to sex, age, and percentage of correct consonants (revised). EPG presented more weak syllable deletion (p = .00); absolute index and relative index had a higher number of omissions (p = .003). BPG had more substitutions (p = .004). Intragroup analysis showed differences between groups in the occurrence of phonological processes (p ≤ 0.00). The most occurring was gliding of liquids, cluster reduction and devoicing in both groups; for the absolute index and relative index, the EPG presented differences in omission (p = .003), and the BPG in substitution (p = .002). Results suggested differences between groups in phonological processes occurrence and a relation with the most frequent type of error. These findings may occur due to the variation of phonetic and phonological characteristics between European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese in the two phonological tests. Linguistic variations had not directly influenced the measures studied, which characterized SSD. European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese children with SSD demonstrated similar characteristics as to the type of errors and phonological processes.

Aerodynamic, eletroglottographic and acoustic measures of the voiced postalveolar fricative. / Medidas aerodinâmicas, eletroglotográficas e acústicas na produção da fricativa pós-alveolar vozeada.

PURPOSE: Describe and correlate phonological and complementary measures regarding aerodynamics, electroglottography, acoustics, and perceptual judgment of production of the voiced fricative sound /ʒ/ comparing the performance of Brazilian Portuguese-speaking children with and without speech sound disorders. METHODS: Study participants were 30 children aged 5 years to 7 years and 11 months divided into a group of children with typical development - Control Group (CG) and a group of children with speech sound disorders - Research Group (RG). Phonology (PCC, PCC-R, and occurrence of phonological processes) and the aerodynamic (amplitude of the oral airflow and f0), eletroglottographic (open quotient) and acoustic (classification of voicing) measures were evaluated. RESULTS: Numerically, children with speech sound disorders presented higher relative oral airflow amplitude, lower relative f0, and open quotient indicative of less efficient voicing production compared with those of children with typical development. The weak voicing values ​​showed that 66.1% of the children with speech sound disorders presented weaker voicing of the fricative sound /ʒ/ compared with that of the posterior vowel sound, and between-groups comparison demonstrated that these children presented greater difficulty in voicing. The acoustic analysis of speech used to classify the weak/strong voicing showed variations, especially regarding the classification partially devoiced. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that the strategies for voicing production and voicing maintenance of the fricative sound /ʒ/ are still variable in children aged 5 years to 7 years and 11 months; however, children with speech sound disorders seem to have more difficulties in using them effectively. In addition, the study shows the importance of applying complementary tests to obtain a more detailed diagnosis.

OBJETIVO: Descrever e correlacionar medidas fonológicas à aerodinâmica, EGG, acústica e julgamento perceptivo da produção do som /ʒ/, comparando o desempenho de crianças com e sem transtorno fonológico, falantes do Português Brasileiro. MÉTODO: Participaram 30 crianças com idade entre 5:0 e 7:11 anos separadas em grupo controle e grupo de crianças com transtorno fonológico. Avaliou-se a fonologia (cálculo de PCC e PCC-R e ocorrência dos processos fonológicos) e as medidas aerodinâmicas (amplitude do fluxo aéreo oral e f0), eletroglotográficas (quociente de abertura) e acústicas (classificação do vozeamento). RESULTADOS: As crianças com transtorno fonológico apresentaram, numericamente, amplitude do fluxo oral relativo maior, f0 relativo menor e quociente de abertura indicativo de uma voz menos eficiente na produção do vozeamento quando comparadas às crianças sem transtorno fonológico. Os valores de weak voicing demonstraram que, em 66,1% das crianças com transtorno fonológico, o vozeamento da fricativa foi mais fraco, comparado ao da vogal seguinte, e a comparação entre grupos indicou que essas crianças apresentaram maior dificuldade no vozeamento. Quanto à descrição da classificação de vozeamento, de acordo com a análise acústica e do weak/strong voicing, verificou-se que há algumas variações, principalmente para a classificação "parcialmente desvozeado". CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que as estratégias de produção e manutenção do vozeamento da fricativa vozeada /ʒ/ ainda são variáveis em crianças na idade estudada, porém as crianças com transtorno fonológico parecem ter mais dificuldades em utilizá-las de modo eficaz. Além disso, o estudo aponta para a importância da aplicação de provas complementares para um diagnóstico mais detalhado.

Medidas aerodinâmicas, eletroglotográficas e acústicas na produção da fricativa pós-alveolar vozeada / Aerodynamic, eletroglottographic and acoustic measures of the voiced postalveolar fricative

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever e correlacionar medidas fonológicas à aerodinâmica, EGG, acústica e julgamento perceptivo da produção do som /ʒ/, comparando o desempenho de crianças com e sem transtorno fonológico, falantes do Português Brasileiro. Método Participaram 30 crianças com idade entre 5:0 e 7:11 anos separadas em grupo controle e grupo de crianças com transtorno fonológico. Avaliou-se a fonologia (cálculo de PCC e PCC-R e ocorrência dos processos fonológicos) e as medidas aerodinâmicas (amplitude do fluxo aéreo oral e f0), eletroglotográficas (quociente de abertura) e acústicas (classificação do vozeamento). Resultados As crianças com transtorno fonológico apresentaram, numericamente, amplitude do fluxo oral relativo maior, f0 relativo menor e quociente de abertura indicativo de uma voz menos eficiente na produção do vozeamento quando comparadas às crianças sem transtorno fonológico. Os valores de weak voicing demonstraram que, em 66,1% das crianças com transtorno fonológico, o vozeamento da fricativa foi mais fraco, comparado ao da vogal seguinte, e a comparação entre grupos indicou que essas crianças apresentaram maior dificuldade no vozeamento. Quanto à descrição da classificação de vozeamento, de acordo com a análise acústica e do weak/strong voicing, verificou-se que há algumas variações, principalmente para a classificação "parcialmente desvozeado". Conclusão Os resultados sugerem que as estratégias de produção e manutenção do vozeamento da fricativa vozeada /ʒ/ ainda são variáveis em crianças na idade estudada, porém as crianças com transtorno fonológico parecem ter mais dificuldades em utilizá-las de modo eficaz. Além disso, o estudo aponta para a importância da aplicação de provas complementares para um diagnóstico mais detalhado.

ABSTRACT Purpose Describe and correlate phonological and complementary measures regarding aerodynamics, electroglottography, acoustics, and perceptual judgment of production of the voiced fricative sound /ʒ/ comparing the performance of Brazilian Portuguese-speaking children with and without speech sound disorders. Methods Study participants were 30 children aged 5 years to 7 years and 11 months divided into a group of children with typical development - Control Group (CG) and a group of children with speech sound disorders - Research Group (RG). Phonology (PCC, PCC-R, and occurrence of phonological processes) and the aerodynamic (amplitude of the oral airflow and f0), eletroglottographic (open quotient) and acoustic (classification of voicing) measures were evaluated. Results Numerically, children with speech sound disorders presented higher relative oral airflow amplitude, lower relative f0, and open quotient indicative of less efficient voicing production compared with those of children with typical development. The weak voicing values ​​showed that 66.1% of the children with speech sound disorders presented weaker voicing of the fricative sound /ʒ/ compared with that of the posterior vowel sound, and between-groups comparison demonstrated that these children presented greater difficulty in voicing. The acoustic analysis of speech used to classify the weak/strong voicing showed variations, especially regarding the classification partially devoiced. Conclusion Results suggest that the strategies for voicing production and voicing maintenance of the fricative sound /ʒ/ are still variable in children aged 5 years to 7 years and 11 months; however, children with speech sound disorders seem to have more difficulties in using them effectively. In addition, the study shows the importance of applying complementary tests to obtain a more detailed diagnosis.

Sensitivity and specificity of the Percentage of Consonants Correct-Revised in the identification of speech sound disorder. / Sensibilidade e especificidade da Porcentagem de Consoantes Corretas Revisada na identificação do transtorno fonológico.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity, and to establish cutoff points for the severity index Percentage of Consonants Correct - Revised (PCC-R) in Brazilian Portuguese-speaking children with and without speech sound disorders. METHODS: 72 children between 5:00 and 7:11 years old - 36 children without speech and language complaints and 36 children with speech sound disorders. The PCC-R was applied to the figure naming and word imitation tasks that are part of the ABFW Child Language Test. Results were statistically analyzed. The ROC curve was performed and sensitivity and specificity values ​​of the index were verified. RESULTS: The group of children without speech sound disorders presented greater PCC-R values in both tasks, regardless of the gender of the participants. The cutoff value observed for the picture naming task was 93.4%, with a sensitivity value of 0.89 and specificity of 0.94 (age independent). For the word imitation task, results were age-dependent: for age group ≤6:5 years old, the cutoff value was 91.0% (sensitivity of 0.77 and specificity of 0.94) and for age group >6:5 years-old, the cutoff value was 93.9% (sensitivity of 0.93 and specificity of 0.94). CONCLUSION: Given the high sensitivity and specificity of PCC-R, we can conclude that the index was effective in discriminating and identifying children with and without speech sound disorders.

The relevance of syllable per minute measuring at the assessment of reading rate. / A relevância da medida de sílabas por minuto na avaliação da velocidade de leitura.

Purpose To verify whether there are differences in the assessment of reading rate of children at 3rd and 4th grade from elementary school using the measures of words read per minute and syllables read per minute. Methods This research counted on 29 children from 3rd grade and 28 from the 4th grade of elementary school without reading and writing disorders. All children were asked to read aloud a text according to their schooling level. The procedure was recorded and the reading rate was calculated both in words and syllables read per minute. Results Data indicated that syllable read per minute measure was more effective to calculate reading rate of children from different schooling levels since it provides a more reliable profile of reading rate. Conclusion The present study showed evidences that syllable per minute measure is more precise to characterize children's performance since it considers linguistic and textual features.

Differences between the production of [s] and [ʃ] in the speech of adults, typically developing children, and children with speech sound disorders: An ultrasound study.

This study describes the criteria that are used in ultrasound to measure the differences between the tongue contours that produce [s] and [ʃ] sounds in the speech of adults, typically developing children (TDC), and children with speech sound disorder (SSD) with the phonological process of palatal fronting. Overlapping images of the tongue contours that resulted from 35 subjects producing the [s] and [ʃ] sounds were analysed to select 11 spokes on the radial grid that were spread over the tongue contour. The difference was calculated between the mean contour of the [s] and [ʃ] sounds for each spoke. A cluster analysis produced groups with some consistency in the pattern of articulation across subjects and differentiated adults and TDC to some extent and children with SSD with a high level of success. Children with SSD were less likely to show differentiation of the tongue contours between the articulation of [s] and [ʃ].

Sensibilidade e especificidade da Porcentagem de Consoantes Corretas Revisada na identificação do transtorno fonológico / Sensitivity and specificity of the Percentage of Consonants Correct-Revised in the identification of speech sound disorder

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a sensibilidade, especificidade e estabelecer pontos de corte para o índice Porcentagem de Consoantes Corretas Revisado (PCC-R) em crianças com e sem transtorno fonológico falantes do Português Brasileiro. Método Participaram 72 crianças com idade entre 5:00 e 7:11 anos, sendo 36 sem queixas de alteração de fala e linguagem e 36 crianças com diagnóstico fonoaudiológico de transtorno fonológico. O índice de gravidade PCC-R foi aplicado nas provas de nomeação de figuras e de imitação de palavras do Teste de Linguagem Infantil ABFW. Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente. Foi realizada a curva Roc e obtidos os valores de sensibilidade e especificidade do índice. Resultados O grupo de crianças sem transtorno fonológico apresentou valores do PCC-R maiores nas duas provas, independentemente do gênero dos participantes. O valor de corte na prova de nomeação de figuras foi de 93,4%, com sensibilidade de 0,89 e especificidade de 0,94, independentemente da idade. Já na prova de imitação de palavras, os valores obtidos variaram de acordo com a idade. Para a faixa etária ≤6:5 anos, o valor de corte foi de 91,0%, com sensibilidade de 0,77 e especificidade de 0,94. Para a faixa etária >6:5 anos, o valor de corte foi de 93,9%, com sensibilidade de 0,93 e especificidade de 0,94. Conclusão Dada a alta sensibilidade e especificidade do PCC-R, o índice foi efetivo na discriminação e identificação de crianças com e sem transtorno fonológico.

ABSTRACT Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity, and to establish cutoff points for the severity index Percentage of Consonants Correct - Revised (PCC-R) in Brazilian Portuguese-speaking children with and without speech sound disorders. Methods 72 children between 5:00 and 7:11 years old - 36 children without speech and language complaints and 36 children with speech sound disorders. The PCC-R was applied to the figure naming and word imitation tasks that are part of the ABFW Child Language Test. Results were statistically analyzed. The ROC curve was performed and sensitivity and specificity values ​​of the index were verified. Results The group of children without speech sound disorders presented greater PCC-R values in both tasks, regardless of the gender of the participants. The cutoff value observed for the picture naming task was 93.4%, with a sensitivity value of 0.89 and specificity of 0.94 (age independent). For the word imitation task, results were age-dependent: for age group ≤6:5 years old, the cutoff value was 91.0% (sensitivity of 0.77 and specificity of 0.94) and for age group >6:5 years-old, the cutoff value was 93.9% (sensitivity of 0.93 and specificity of 0.94). Conclusion Given the high sensitivity and specificity of PCC-R, we can conclude that the index was effective in discriminating and identifying children with and without speech sound disorders.

A relevância da medida de sílabas por minuto na avaliação da velocidade de leitura / The relevance of syllable per minute measuring at the assessment of reading rate

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar se há diferenças na avaliação da velocidade de leitura de crianças do 3º e 4º anos do ensino fundamental, utilizando-se as medidas de palavras lidas por minuto e sílabas lidas por minuto. Método Esta pesquisa contou com 29 crianças do terceiro ano e 28 do quarto ano do ensino fundamental sem alterações de leitura e escrita. Todos foram solicitados a realizar a leitura de um texto de acordo com a sua escolaridade. O procedimento foi gravado e a velocidade de leitura foi calculada em palavras e sílabas lidas por minuto. Resultados Os dados indicaram que a medida de sílabas por minuto foi mais efetiva para aferir a diferença de velocidade de leitura de crianças de diferentes anos escolares, pois traça um perfil mais fidedigno da velocidade de leitura. Conclusão A presente pesquisa mostrou evidências de que a medida em sílabas lidas por minuto é mais precisa na caracterização do desempenho das crianças, pois tal medida considera os aspectos linguístico-textuais.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify whether there are differences in the assessment of reading rate of children at 3rd and 4th grade from elementary school using the measures of words read per minute and syllables read per minute. Methods This research counted on 29 children from 3rd grade and 28 from the 4th grade of elementary school without reading and writing disorders. All children were asked to read aloud a text according to their schooling level. The procedure was recorded and the reading rate was calculated both in words and syllables read per minute. Results Data indicated that syllable read per minute measure was more effective to calculate reading rate of children from different schooling levels since it provides a more reliable profile of reading rate. Conclusion The present study showed evidences that syllable per minute measure is more precise to characterize children’s performance since it considers linguistic and textual features.

The influence of (central) auditory processing disorder on the severity of speech-sound disorders in children.

OBJECTIVE: To identify a cutoff value based on the Percentage of Consonants Correct-Revised index that could indicate the likelihood of a child with a speech-sound disorder also having a (central) auditory processing disorder . METHODS: Language, audiological and (central) auditory processing evaluations were administered. The participants were 27 subjects with speech-sound disorders aged 7 to 10 years and 11 months who were divided into two different groups according to their (central) auditory processing evaluation results. RESULTS: When a (central) auditory processing disorder was present in association with a speech disorder, the children tended to have lower scores on phonological assessments. A greater severity of speech disorder was related to a greater probability of the child having a (central) auditory processing disorder. The use of a cutoff value for the Percentage of Consonants Correct-Revised index successfully distinguished between children with and without a (central) auditory processing disorder. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of speech-sound disorder in children was influenced by the presence of (central) auditory processing disorder. The attempt to identify a cutoff value based on a severity index was successful.

The influence of (central) auditory processing disorder on the severity of speech-sound disorders in children

OBJECTIVE: To identify a cutoff value based on the Percentage of Consonants Correct-Revised index that could indicate the likelihood of a child with a speech-sound disorder also having a (central) auditory processing disorder . METHODS: Language, audiological and (central) auditory processing evaluations were administered. The participants were 27 subjects with speech-sound disorders aged 7 to 10 years and 11 months who were divided into two different groups according to their (central) auditory processing evaluation results. RESULTS: When a (central) auditory processing disorder was present in association with a speech disorder, the children tended to have lower scores on phonological assessments. A greater severity of speech disorder was related to a greater probability of the child having a (central) auditory processing disorder. The use of a cutoff value for the Percentage of Consonants Correct-Revised index successfully distinguished between children with and without a (central) auditory processing disorder. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of speech-sound disorder in children was influenced by the presence of (central) auditory processing disorder. The attempt to identify a cutoff value based on a severity index was successful.

The influence of (central) auditory processing disorder in speech sound disorders / Influência do transtorno do processamento auditivo (central) no transtorno fonológico

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Considering the importance of auditory information for the acquisition and organization of phonological rules, the assessment of (central) auditory processing contributes to both the diagnosis and targeting of speech therapy in children with speech sound disorders. OBJECTIVE: To study phonological measures and (central) auditory processing of children with speech sound disorder. METHODS: Clinical and experimental study, with 21 subjects with speech sound disorder aged between 7.0 and 9.11 years, divided into two groups according to their (central) auditory processing disorder. The assessment comprised tests of phonology, speech inconsistency, and metalinguistic abilities. RESULTS: The group with (central) auditory processing disorder demonstrated greater severity of speech sound disorder. The cutoff value obtained for the process density index was the one that best characterized the occurrence of phonological processes for children above 7 years of age. CONCLUSION: The comparison among the tests evaluated between the two groups showed differences in some phonological and metalinguistic abilities. Children with an index value above 0.54 demonstrated strong tendencies towards presenting a (central) auditory processing disorder, and this measure was effective to indicate the need for evaluation in children with speech sound disorder.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: Considerando a importância das informações recebidas auditivamente para a aquisição e organização das regras fonológicas, a avaliação do processamento auditivo (central) traz contribuições significativas para o diagnóstico e direcionamento da intervenção fonoaudiologia das crianças com transtorno fonológico. OBJETIVO: Estudar as medidas fonológicas e o processamento auditivo (central) de crianças com transtorno fonológico. MÉTODO: Estudo clínico e experimental com 21 sujeitos com transtorno fonológico, entre 7,0 e 9,11 anos, separados em dois grupos: com e sem transtorno do processamento auditivo (central). Foram avaliadas as provas de fonologia, inconsistência de fala e habilidades metalinguísticas. RESULTADOS: O grupo com transtorno do processamento auditivo (central) apresentou maior gravidade do transtorno fonológico. O valor de corte obtido para o process density index foi o que melhor caracterizou a ocorrência dos processos fonológicos para crianças acima de sete anos. CONCLUSÃO: A comparação do desempenho das provas avaliadas nos dois grupos mostrou diferenças quanto a alguns aspectos fonológicos e metalinguísticas. As crianças com valor do índice acima de 0,54 demonstraram uma forte tendência a apresentar alteração no processamento auditivo (central), sendo que esta medida foi efetiva para indicar a necessidade de avaliação de crianças com transtorno fonológico.

The influence of (central) auditory processing disorder in speech sound disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Considering the importance of auditory information for the acquisition and organization of phonological rules, the assessment of (central) auditory processing contributes to both the diagnosis and targeting of speech therapy in children with speech sound disorders. OBJECTIVE: To study phonological measures and (central) auditory processing of children with speech sound disorder. METHODS: Clinical and experimental study, with 21 subjects with speech sound disorder aged between 7.0 and 9.11 years, divided into two groups according to their (central) auditory processing disorder. The assessment comprised tests of phonology, speech inconsistency, and metalinguistic abilities. RESULTS: The group with (central) auditory processing disorder demonstrated greater severity of speech sound disorder. The cutoff value obtained for the process density index was the one that best characterized the occurrence of phonological processes for children above 7 years of age. CONCLUSION: The comparison among the tests evaluated between the two groups showed differences in some phonological and metalinguistic abilities. Children with an index value above 0.54 demonstrated strong tendencies towards presenting a (central) auditory processing disorder, and this measure was effective to indicate the need for evaluation in children with speech sound disorder.

Profile of reading accuracy acquisition of students from elementary school.

PURPOSE: To characterize the profile of reading accuracy acquisition of children from the elementary school, considering word extension and syllabic structure. METHODS: This study counted on 29 children from the third grade and 28 from the fourth grade of the Brazilian elementary school, with mean age of 8:5 and 9:3 years, respectively, who did not present learning disorders. All participants underwent oral reading assessment through texts according to each school level. The texts were analyzed considering the range of word length and syllabic structure. The performance of the students was analyzed according to the accuracy percentage concerning word length and syllabic structure. All data underwent statistical analysis. RESULTS: We noticed that the variability in the percentage increased due to the number of syllables, with more incidences of error in students from the third year. Furthermore, data pointed out greater accuracy of students from the fourth year with regard to word length and syllabic structure. Analysis of variance with repeated measures indicated interaction effect between both groups and the studied variables. CONCLUSION: This study showed evidence that word length is a strong factor to reading accuracy acquisition in Brazilian Portuguese. In addition, words with syllabic structure different from the pattern commonly seen in the Portuguese language are more difficult to be read by children of lower schooling levels.

Profile of reading accuracy acquisition of students from elementary school / Perfil de aquisição da acurácia de leitura de crianças do ensino fundamental

PURPOSE: To characterize the profile of reading accuracy acquisition of children from the elementary school, considering word extension and syllabic structure. METHODS: This study counted on 29 children from the third grade and 28 from the fourth grade of the Brazilian elementary school, with mean age of 8:5 and 9:3 years, respectively, who did not present learning disorders. All participants underwent oral reading assessment through texts according to each school level. The texts were analyzed considering the range of word length and syllabic structure. The performance of the students was analyzed according to the accuracy percentage concerning word length and syllabic structure. All data underwent statistical analysis. RESULTS: We noticed that the variability in the percentage increased due to the number of syllables, with more incidences of error in students from the third year. Furthermore, data pointed out greater accuracy of students from the fourth year with regard to word length and syllabic structure. Analysis of variance with repeated measures indicated interaction effect between both groups and the studied variables. CONCLUSION: This study showed evidence that word length is a strong factor to reading accuracy acquisition in Brazilian Portuguese. In addition, words with syllabic structure different from the pattern commonly seen in the Portuguese language are more difficult to be read by children of lower schooling levels. .

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar o perfil de acurácia de leitura de crianças do ensino fundamental, considerando a extensão e a estrutura silábica das palavras. MÉTODOS: Participaram deste estudo 29 crianças do terceiro ano e 28 do quarto ano do ensino fundamental, com média de idade de 8:5 e 9:3, respectivamente e que não apresentassem alterações de leitura e escrita. Todos os sujeitos realizaram a leitura oral de textos adequados para sua faixa escolar, que foram caracterizados quanto à frequência das diferentes extensões de palavras e estrutura silábica. Analisou-se o desempenho dos sujeitos na leitura conforme a porcentagem de acertos em função da extensão da palavra e da estrutura silábica. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se que a variabilidade das porcentagens de acertos aumentou em função da extensão das palavras, com maior incidência de erros nos escolares do terceiro ano. Observou-se também melhor acurácia de leitura dos estudantes do quarto ano em relação à extensão da palavra e à estrutura silábica. A análise de variância com medidas repetidas apontou efeito de interação entre ambos os grupos e as variáveis estudadas. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo mostrou evidências de que a extensão da palavra é um fator determinante para a aquisição da acurácia de leitura no Português Brasileiro. Os dados indicaram ainda que a leitura de palavras com estrutura silábica diferente do padrão mais comum da língua portuguesa é mais difícil de ser realizada por crianças com menos tempo de escolarização. .