Prevalence of Specific Learning Disorder in Children with Speech Sound Disorder: A retrospective cohort study in a rehabilitation center in South Kerala

Abstract

Speech Sound Disorder (SSD) is associated with an increased risk for Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), yet few studies have investigated predictors of literacy difficulties in this group. This retrospective cohort study examined the prevalence of SLD among children with SSD and explored factors linked to literacy risk. Case files of 378 children aged 3–10 years, diagnosed as SSD between 2020 and 2022, were reviewed. Telephone follow-ups were completed with 275 families, and 48 reported literacy difficulties. Dyslexia screening was conducted using the Dyslexia Assessment for Language of India (DALI). 45 parents contacted, 30 completed the DALI, with 19 children scoring below cutoff. These children were further assessed using the Dyslexia Screening Test–Junior (DST-J), and all were classified as at significant risk for SLD (ARQ > 0.9). Results showed complete agreement between DALI and DST-J classifications. Variables such as family history, speech intelligibility, parental education, and language proficiency were not significantly associated with DST-J scores, while socioeconomic status showed a stronger link to literacy risk. Findings highlight the vulnerability of children with SSD to SLD and point to socioeconomic influences as an important predictor of literacy outcomes.