phonological processes

Phonological processes are patterns that children use as they learn to speak, simplifying complex sounds and word structures. These patterns help children produce speech more easily but often differ from adult speech. Common processes include “stopping” sounds (replacing a “fricative” like /s/ with a stop like /t/), “assimilation” (making sounds more like neighboring sounds), and “final consonant deletion” (omitting the ending consonant of a word). As language skills develop, children typically outgrow these processes, leading to clear, adult-like speech. Understanding these patterns helps in supporting and assessing speech development.