articulation disorder
A speech sound disorder characterized by difficulty producing individual phonemes correctly at the motor level.
Full Definition
An articulation disorder involves impaired motor production of speech sounds, typically affecting specific phonemes consistently across contexts. Unlike phonological disorders which involve rule-based pattern errors, articulation disorders stem from difficulty with the physical coordination and placement required for accurate sound production. These disorders may result from structural abnormalities, neurological impairments, or developmental delays affecting the speech mechanism. Treatment focuses on motor learning approaches and direct sound instruction.
Usage
Usage note: Do not hyphenate when used as a noun phrase; hyphenate when used as a compound modifier.
In Context
- "The child presents with an articulation disorder affecting /r/ and /s/ sounds." — Evaluation report
- "Differential diagnosis must distinguish between articulation disorder and phonological process delays." — Clinical documentation