Abstract

This study aimed to compare working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility, the core components of executive functions, among two prevalent subtypes of preschool children with speech sound disorder, i.e., phonological delay (n = 16) and consistent phonological disorder (n = 15), and a group of typically developing children (n = 18). The correlation between executive function components and the accuracy of speech sound production were also investigated. Nonword repetition task and syllable repetition task were used to evaluate the phonological loop of working memory. Backward digit span was administered to examine the central executive of working memory. Cognitive flexibility was assessed using the second selection of the flexible item selection task and inhibitory control using Stroop-like and Go/No-Go tasks. The percentage consonants correct was applied to calculate the accuracy of speech sound production. Results of a one-way multivariate analysis of covariance revealed statistically significant differences between groups in the combined dependent variables after controlling for age (F(14, 80) = 17.289, p < .001, Pillai’s trace = 1.503, partial ηƞ² = .752). Typically developing children outperformed in all measurements of executive functions than both speech sound disorder subgroups. Moreover, children with phonological delay performed better in nonword repetition and corrected responses of Stroop-like than consistent phonological disorder group. All executive function measurements also correlated with speech sound production. The results of the present study highlight the importance of including domain-general cognitive skills in current assessment protocols for children with phonological delay and consistent phonological disorders.

摘要

本研究旨在比较工作记忆、抑制控制和认知灵活性这些执行功能的核心组成部分，在两种流行的学龄前儿童语音障碍亚型中，即语音延迟（n  = 16）和持续语音障碍（n  = 15），以及一群发育正常的儿童（n = 18)。还研究了执行功能组件与语音产生的准确性之间的相关性。非单词重复任务和音节重复任务用于评估工作记忆的语音循环。管理向后数字跨度以检查工作记忆的中央执行。使用灵活项目选择任务的第二次选择和使用 Stroop-like 和 Go/No-Go 任务的抑制控制来评估认知灵活性。应用辅音正确百分比来计算语音产生的准确性。协方差的单因素多变量分析结果显示，在控制年龄后，组间组合因变量存在统计学显着差异 ( F (14, 80) = 17.289, p< .001，皮莱轨迹 = 1.503，部分 η ƞ ² = .752）。通常发育中的儿童在执行功能的所有测量中都优于言语障碍亚组。此外，与一致的语音障碍组相比，语音延迟儿童在非单词重复和纠正 Stroop 样反应方面表现更好。所有执行功能测量也与语音产生相关。本研究的结果强调了在当前针对语音延迟和持续语音障碍儿童的评估方案中包括领域一般认知技能的重要性。