What is the most appropriate next step for an SLP to assess a child's speech errors?

The most appropriate next step for an SLP to assess a child's speech errors involves having the child produce each misarticulated sound in isolation after demonstration. This approach allows the SLP to focus on the specific sounds that the child struggles to articulate. By producing the sounds in isolation, the SLP can identify the precise nature of the speech errors without the influence of other linguistic variables, such as coarticulation effects that might occur in connected speech.

Demonstrating the sounds beforehand offers the child a model to mimic, which can help clarify the articulation required. This step is crucial for creating a clear baseline of the child's production capabilities and aids in developing an effective individualized treatment plan. Establishing whether the child can produce the sounds correctly in isolation is essential for understanding their speech development and for guiding subsequent therapeutic interventions.