Which of the following is true about obligatory procedures in initial diagnostic assessment for suspected SSD?

• A. Phonology assessment only
• B. Hearing screen only
• C. Standardized articulation test or screen, oral-motor screen, hearing screen
• D. Language sample only

Answer: (C)

In diagnosing suspected SSD, the essential approach is to rule out contributing factors while establishing a clear picture of articulation ability. A hearing screen is crucial because even subtle hearing loss can affect speech perception and production, so you must know whether hearing is functioning normally before interpreting articulation errors. An oral-motor screen checks the structure and function of the lips, tongue, jaw, and related muscles to ensure there are no motor constraints that could explain atypical articulation. A standardized articulation test or screen provides objective, norm-referenced data on which sounds are produced correctly and which errors occur, helping to quantify severity and patterns. Together, these three elements create a solid initial battery that distinguishes SSD from other factors and guides the next steps in assessment and intervention. Relying on only one aspect—like hearing alone, articulation alone, or language sample alone—omits a critical piece of the puzzle and can lead to incomplete or inaccurate conclusions.