What is a speech sound inventory?

A speech sound inventory is defined as a systematic collection of an individual's speech sound productions. This tool is utilized by speech-language pathologists to assess and document the range of speech sounds that a person can articulate correctly, as well as identify any errors or inconsistencies in their speech production.

The importance of a speech sound inventory lies in its ability to provide detailed insight into an individual's phonetic capabilities. By collecting and organizing this information, clinicians can make informed decisions about treatment planning and intervention strategies. The inventory typically includes various speech sounds produced in isolation, in syllables, and within words, providing a comprehensive overview of the person's phonetic performance across different contexts.

In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect the concept of a speech sound inventory. While a collection of speech sound errors focuses on mistakes rather than a full inventory of skills, a list of standardized assessments pertains to evaluation tools rather than an individual's specific sound productions. Similarly, a summary of client goals in therapy is related to treatment planning and does not encompass the details provided by a speech sound inventory. Hence, the systematic documentation of an individual's speech sound productions is what distinctly characterizes a speech sound inventory.