Does mixed up Marty fix children’s speech? A no-training needed home program for children with speech sound disorder

Background: Children with phonological difficulties are currently spending a long time on waiting lists for Speech and Language therapy. Research has shown that early intervention is imperative for this population in improving their speech (Broomfield and Dodd 2005). This situation has motivated clinicians to find an alternative method of service delivery. A home program that requires little input from clinicians with parents as the agents of therapy would provide immediate timely intervention, reduce waiting lists and pressure on therapy resources. Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of a no-training needed home program in improving the speech of children with Speech Sound disorder Method & Procedure: Thirteen children (aged between 3; 3 and 5; 9) with Speech Sound disorder along with their parents, took part in the study. Parents were provided with a home program that consisted of stories and activities highlighting phonological contrasts, and phonological awareness. The program was aimed at reorganising the children’s phonological system. Parents carried out the program with their children for five weeks, fifteen minutes daily six days a week. Percentage consonants correct (PCC) were recorded pre and post therapy. Results: Statistical analyses showed that as a group, the children demonstrated statistically significant improvements in their percentage consonants correct (PCC) scores. However, the improvement was not clinically significant. Conclusion: The program as it is did not prove clinically effective in improving the speech of children with Speech Sound disorder. Possible reasons for this and directions for future research are discussed.