What describes a common phonological characteristic noted in children with SLI?

Children with Specific Language Impairment (SLI) often display various challenges in their speech and language development, one of which includes the persistence of phonological processes. When we refer to phonological processes, we mean the systematic sound changes that children might use to simplify their speech as they learn to communicate.

In typical development, children outgrow these simplifications as their phonological awareness and skills improve. However, for children with SLI, these phonological processes may continue to be used beyond what is typical for their age. This can manifest as a prolonged use of simplifications such as substituting sounds or deleting syllables, which can hinder their intelligibility and overall communication effectiveness.

Understanding this aspect is crucial in diagnosing and providing appropriate interventions for children with SLI, as recognizing the duration and nature of these phonological issues can assist in crafting focused therapeutic strategies to support their language development.