Louise Bulman

• BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Sciences
• Using longitudinal data to evaluate the feasibility of a minimal dataset for diagnosing speech sound disorder in children age 3-6 years

The Diagnostic Evaluation of Articulation and Phonology (DEAP) is a standardised assessment of speech sounds. The screening subtest (DEAP Screen) is recommended as the starting point of the test, taking 10-15 minutes. This project aims to evaluate if the DEAP Screen speech sample of ten words, comprising eight vowels and 26 consonants, is adequate as a minimum dataset of speech sounds to diagnose speech sound disorder in young children. A minimum dataset would be of great value to speech and language therapists. Longitudinal data from 128 children (3- 4 years old at first assessment) assessed on the DEAP Screen six times over a two year period, will be analysed in relation to other information about the children’s speech to evaluate how accurately their speech development can be assessed. As many as possible of the original 128 children will have their speech reassessed to evaluate stability of speech status over time. 

Funding source: Newcastle University

Project Supervisor: Dr Helen Stringer