Final consonant deletion is a phonological process where the final consonant in a word is omitted. For instance, the word “cat” might be pronounced “ca,” or “dog” becomes “do.” This articulation pattern is typical in early childhood development but typically diminishes as speech matures. Intervention strategies are necessary if the process persists beyond an expected age range to facilitate clearer and more intelligible speech.
Addressing this articulation pattern is crucial for improving speech clarity, enhancing communication effectiveness, and supporting literacy development. When final consonants are consistently omitted, listeners may find it challenging to understand the intended message. Successful intervention contributes to a child’s overall confidence in verbal communication and provides a stronger foundation for reading and spelling skills, where phonemic awareness is paramount.
