The Application of Motor Learning Concepts to the Treatment of Children with Compensatory Speech Sound Errors

Children with cleft palate frequently present with compensatory speech sound errors, which are generally targeted in treatment. Often, treatment consists of different phonetic teaching methods and procedures that are delivered via an operant learning paradigm; however, there are other theoretical models of learning that may prove more efficacious for modifying compensatory errors. Motor learning is a teaching/learning methodology that has an extensive body of research to support its use in the acquisition and development of motor skills. Currently, researchers are using motor learning paradigms in the treatment of different speech disorders and evidence on efficacy is being collected. This paper will discuss motor learning as a methodology for treating compensatory speech sound errors in an effective and efficient manner.