What is a common characteristic of speech sound disorders?

A common characteristic of speech sound disorders is the difficulty in producing certain sounds accurately in speech. This can manifest as substitutions, omissions, distortions, or additions of sounds, making it challenging for individuals to articulate words correctly. Children with speech sound disorders may struggle with specific phonemes or sound patterns, leading to unclear speech that can affect their ability to be understood by others. This characteristic is central to diagnosing and treating speech sound disorders, as it directly impacts communication.

The other options presented highlight different issues that are not directly related to speech sound disorders. Inability to hear certain frequencies pertains to auditory processing or hearing impairment, which can affect communication but is not a defining feature of speech sound disorders. Excessive vocal projection is more aligned with prosodic issues or behavioral expressions rather than the specific challenges in sound production. Rapid speech with no pauses may involve fluency disorders, such as cluttering, but again, it does not specifically characterize speech sound disorders. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in identifying and addressing the needs of individuals with speech challenges.