Speech Sound Development in Preterm Children Aged 3-4 Years: A Retrospective Observational Study.

PURPOSE: Despite advancements in improving survival rates, children born prematurely face high risks of neurodevelopmental delays, including speech sound disorders. This study aimed to (a) identify speech sound development trajectories in preterm children, (b) examine associated clinical and developmental characteristics, (c) analyze factors related to speech sound abilities, and (d) identify predictors of speech sound normalization.

METHOD: In this retrospective longitudinal study, 80 preterm children (born < 37 weeks of gestation, birth weight < 2.5 kg) were assessed for speech sound development. Based on percent consonants correct (PCC) scores at ages 3 and 4 years, children were categorized into four trajectory groups: normal, abnormal, catch-up, and growing into deficit. Analyses included trajectory comparisons, correlations between PCC and gestational age, birth weight, and cognitive/motor/language abilities, as well as examination of predictors of speech sound normalization.

RESULTS

Over half of the children (51.3%) exhibited an abnormal trajectory, while 26.2% showed normal development, 20.0% demonstrated a catch-up trajectory, and 2.5% followed a growing-into-deficit pattern. Significant group differences were observed for sex, history of language intervention, and language abilities. PCC was significantly correlated with language quotients across ages. No significant factors predicted the normalization of speech sounds from ages 3 to 4 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Preterm children are at considerable risk for persistent speech sound difficulties, which are closely linked to speech-language abilities. Given the lack of predictors of normalization outcomes, universal monitoring and comprehensive language-based interventions are recommended for preterm children with and without delayed speech sound development at age 3 years.