Phonological intervention techniques for syllable and word structure development.

Abstract

This article has two purposes: to outline aspects of nonlinear phonological theory that refer to syllable, word, and phrase structure, and to provide some examples of phonological intervention techniques for development of these structures. A variety of restricted child productions of syllable, word, and phrase structures are described in nonlinear terms. Intervention targets are defined for each of the restrictions, and both general and specific interventions are suggested, the majority of which have been clinically evaluated. Clinicians are encouraged to try various alternatives to discover which techniques that facilitate syllable- and word-building strategies are most productive for an individual child. Rationales, purposes, activities, and procedures are presented to assist the clinician in developing appropriate and individualized intervention strategies.