Accordance of speech sound disorder assessments via telepractice technology in children compared to face-to-face speech assessments

PURPOSE: Children with speech sound disorders are at risk of negative social and academic impacts; however, it is unclear whether audio technology used in telepractice is sensitive enough to detect the presence of speech sound disorders. The purpose of the present study was to examine the accordance of two speech sound disorders assessments administered using telepractice and face-to-face assessment procedures. METHOD: Four participants age 5-6 years received two standardised assessments and produced two semi-structured speech samples to gather a comprehensive view of their speech productions. For each child, one assessment and one structured speech sample was given in an in-person context, and one assessment and one speech sample was given via telepractice. Standard scores on the assessments and percent consonants correct calculations for each speech sample were compared within participants across modalities. RESULT: Results showed scores were consistent between modalities for each participant, with some variability occurring in the identification of distorted phonemes on some trials in two children. This missed identification was not enough to cause a misidentification of the error altogether nor to cause a missed diagnosis of speech sound disorders. CONCLUSION: Telepractice technology can be sensitive enough to detect common errors associated with speech sound disorders on both formal and informal assessment measures.