Development of an agreed labelling system and protocol for the diagnosis of speech sound disorder subtypes in the United Kingdom

Purpose: This study aimed to achieve a consensus on a diagnostic protocol, classification system, and subtype definitions for the differential diagnosis of speech sound disorder of unknown origin in the United Kingdom.
Method: A mixed methods participatory design was used. Five services from the UK provided all paperwork, including guidelines and care pathways, related to Speech Sound Disorder for content analysis. Two participatory workshops with six speech and language therapists from these five services were used to discuss and agree: 1. A classification system, 2. Subtype labels and definitions, and 3. A diagnostic protocol for speech sound disorder suitable for use in the UK context.
Result: Participants agreed that the Differential Diagnosis System (Dodd, 2014) was suitable for use in the UK. This system comprises five speech sound disorder subtypes. Participants suggested minor changes to the definitions of these subtypes to make them more suitable for implementation in a clinical context. A minimum diagnostic protocol, with additional assessment for children with more complex or severe speech sound disorder, was agreed.
Conclusion: A consensus diagnostic protocol, classification system, and subtype names and definitions was reached and is broadly in line with Dodd (2014). Future work will implement this in the national health service in the UK.