Articulation in children with fetal alcohol syndrome

Purpose: Language deficits have been identified in children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS); however, literature on speech development is limited. Previous literature has documented neural abnormalities that impact motor control. Children diagnosed with FAS have slower response time, slower movement duration time, and greater variability relative to neuro-typical children. The purpose of the current study was to investigate presence/absence of motor speech dysfunction in children with FAS. Methods: Ten children ages 3–9 years old were evaluated using standardized assessments for non-verbal intelligence, articulation, and verbal motor skills. Results: Average group scores on a standardized articulation test (SPAT-D) did not produce significant differences; however, motor control subtests of the Verbal Motor Production Assessment for Children suggested significant differences between groups and matched participant pairs. Conclusions: Results suggest specific oral motor deficits contribute at least as much to communication disorder in young FAS speakers as possible phonetic-linguistic deficits.