ASLP 5825 Approaches in Target Selection

Traditional Developmental Approach

Prioritize early developing stimulable sounds; work through the error list in a developmental order; potentially suitable for all children, particularly those who are reactive and need consistent encouragement

Complexity Approach

Prioritize more complex phonological targets; best for children with isolated speech difficulties, small phonetic inventories, normal language/cognition, and confidence

Systemic Approach

Does not target a specific sound, instead it targets collapses of phonemic contrasts and distinctive features; prioritizes three to four sounds that are maximally different in distinctive features and classification (manner, class, place, voicing, singleton vs cluster); best for children with large phonemic collapses and moderate severe phonological impairments

Cycles Approach 

Targets phonological processes, not individual sounds; focuses on time spent on specific target, not accuracy based; best suited for children with multiple phonological process errors needing structured, rotating targets