Development of the Digital Speech Assessment Instrument.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a Digital Speech Assessment Instrument to evaluate the phonological and motor speech skills of Brazilian Portuguese-speaking children and adolescents through six tasks: (a) word naming, (b) word imitation, (c) pseudoword imitation, (d) word repetition, (e) pseudoword repetition, and (f) diadochokinesis. METHOD: The assessment instrument was developed and validated in a seven-step process, beginning with stimulus selection and ending with Pilot Study 1 (involving children and adolescents with typical speech development) and Pilot Study 2 (involving children and adolescents with speech sound disorders [SSDs]). Participants of the study included expert and nonexpert judges, children, and adolescents. RESULTS: The Digital Speech Assessment Instrument contains 91 real words (61 in the naming task, 51 in the imitation task, and five in the repetition task), 26 pseudowords (26 in the imitation task and four in the repetition task), and six stimuli for diadochokinesis. The test contains stimuli in the form of images as well as audio and video recordings and allows for the analysis and storage of participant data in a virtual database. CONCLUSIONS: This study described the development of the Digital Speech Assessment Instrument, available in Brazilian Portuguese for the evaluation of several aspects of speech production (including word and pseudoword naming, imitation, and repetition and diadochokinesis). The test was developed for children aged 2;0 (years;months) to 17;11 and is administered fully online. In the future, the instrument can be used to provide a timely and accurate diagnosis of SSDs.

Content validity of the Profiles of Early Expressive Phonological Skills-Brazilian Portuguese (PEEPS-BP) - Expanded List. / Validade de conteúdo do Profiles of Early Expressive Phonological Skills-Brazilian Portuguese (PEEPS-BP) - Lista Expandida.

PURPOSE: To carry out the cross-cultural adaptation of the Instrument Profiles of Early Expressive Phonological Skills- Brazilian Portuguese (PEEPS-BP) - Expanded list, performing content validation. METHODS: Cross-cultural, quantitative and cross- sectional adaptation study, considering psychometric criteria. A study was carried out on the list of 423 words from the Communicative Development Inventory - MacArthur - Words and Sentences, adapted to Brazilian Portuguese. The method was divided into four steps. The list was judged by expert judges (JE) and non-specialist judges (JNE), considering as a criterion the familiarity of the word for a child aged between 24 and 36 months, and the representativeness of the word with toy/object, contemplating Steps 1 and 2. The child judges analyzed, in a data collection situation, the familiarity and representativeness of the stimulus-words, presented in Step 3. Afterwards, the pilot study - Step 4, was carried out with the selected stimulus-words. In the statistical analysis by expert and non-specialist judges, the Fleiss' Kappa and Gwet Concordance index was used. In the analysis of the responses of the child judges and in the Pilot Study, the analysis was made in relation to the type of response of the child, specifically scoring the spontaneous naming of the toy/object, scoring qualitatively. RESULTS: The result of Steps 1 and 2, and the agreement of the statistical tests for the Familiarity and Representativeness criteria was 45.7% for JE and 76.4% for JNE, and a result of 100% for the agreement of Representativeness. A total of 122 words were analyzed, resulting from previously established criteria, totaling 34 words (exclusion of one word by the researchers), totaling 33 stimulus-words. In Stage 3, of the 33 stimulus-words applied, nine presented spontaneous naming scores below expectations, being retested for Step 4, the Pilot Study. The result of the Pilot Study showed that of the nine retested stimulus-words, four of them still had a score below, being excluded from the study. Therefore, with the application of the Pilot Study, the expanded list of PEEPS-BP resulted in 29 words. CONCLUSION: The PEEPS-BP - Expanded List showed satisfactory evidence of content validity for the cross-cultural adaptation of the test.

OBJETIVO: Realizar a adaptação transcultural do Instrumento Profiles of Early Expressive Phonological Skills- Brazilian Portuguese (PEEPS-BP) - Lista expandida, realizando a validação de conteúdo. MÉTODO: Estudo de adaptação transcultural, quantitativo e transversal, considerando critérios psicométricos. Realizou-se o estudo da lista de 423 palavras do Inventário de Desenvolvimento Comunicativo- MacArthur- Palavras e Sentenças, adaptado para o Português Brasileiro. O método foi dividido em quatro Etapas. A lista foi julgada por juízes especialistas (JE) e juízes não especialistas (JNE), considerando como critério a familiaridade da palavra para uma criança entre 24 e 36 meses, e a representatividade da palavra com brinquedo/objeto, contemplando as Etapas 1 e 2. Os juízes crianças analisaram, em situação de coleta de dados, a familiaridade e a representatividade das palavras-estímulos, apresentado na Etapa 3. Após, realizou-se o estudo piloto- Etapa 4, com as palavras-estímulo selecionadas. Na análise estatística dos juízes especialistas e não especialistas utilizou-se o índice de Concordância do Kappa Fleiss e Gwet. Na análise das respostas dos juízes crianças e no estudo piloto, a análise foi feita em relação ao tipo de resposta da criança, especificamente pontuando a nomeação espontânea do brinquedo/objeto, pontuando de forma qualitativa. RESULTADOS: O resultado da Etapa 1 e 2, e a concordância dos testes estatísticos para os critérios de Familiaridade e Representatividade foi de 45,7% para JE e 76,4% para JNE, e resultado de 100% para a concordância da Representatividade. Foram analisadas 122 palavras, resultantes dos critérios previamente estabelecidos, totalizando 34 palavras (exclusão de uma palavra por parte das pesquisadoras), totalizando 33 palavras-estímulos. Na Etapa 3, das 33 palavras-estímulos aplicadas, nove apresentaram pontuação de nomeação espontânea abaixo do esperado, sendo retestadas para a Etapa 4, Estudo Piloto. O resultado do Estudo Piloto evidenciou que das nove palavras-estímulos retestadas, quatro delas ainda apresentaram pontuação abaixo, sendo excluídas do estudo. Portanto com a aplicação do estudo piloto a lista expandida do PEEPS-BP, resultou em 29 palavras. CONCLUSÃO: O PEEPS-BP - Lista Expandida apresentou evidências de validade de conteúdo satisfatórias para a adaptação transcultural do teste.

Validade de conteúdo do Profiles of Early Expressive Phonological Skills-Brazilian Portuguese (PEEPS-BP) - Lista Expandida / Content validity of the Profiles of Early Expressive Phonological Skills-Brazilian Portuguese (PEEPS-BP) - Expanded List

RESUMO Objetivo Realizar a adaptação transcultural do Instrumento Profiles of Early Expressive Phonological Skills- Brazilian Portuguese (PEEPS-BP) - Lista expandida, realizando a validação de conteúdo. Método Estudo de adaptação transcultural, quantitativo e transversal, considerando critérios psicométricos. Realizou-se o estudo da lista de 423 palavras do Inventário de Desenvolvimento Comunicativo- MacArthur- Palavras e Sentenças, adaptado para o Português Brasileiro. O método foi dividido em quatro Etapas. A lista foi julgada por juízes especialistas (JE) e juízes não especialistas (JNE), considerando como critério a familiaridade da palavra para uma criança entre 24 e 36 meses, e a representatividade da palavra com brinquedo/objeto, contemplando as Etapas 1 e 2. Os juízes crianças analisaram, em situação de coleta de dados, a familiaridade e a representatividade das palavras-estímulos, apresentado na Etapa 3. Após, realizou-se o estudo piloto- Etapa 4, com as palavras-estímulo selecionadas. Na análise estatística dos juízes especialistas e não especialistas utilizou-se o índice de Concordância do Kappa Fleiss e Gwet. Na análise das respostas dos juízes crianças e no estudo piloto, a análise foi feita em relação ao tipo de resposta da criança, especificamente pontuando a nomeação espontânea do brinquedo/objeto, pontuando de forma qualitativa. Resultados O resultado da Etapa 1 e 2, e a concordância dos testes estatísticos para os critérios de Familiaridade e Representatividade foi de 45,7% para JE e 76,4% para JNE, e resultado de 100% para a concordância da Representatividade. Foram analisadas 122 palavras, resultantes dos critérios previamente estabelecidos, totalizando 34 palavras (exclusão de uma palavra por parte das pesquisadoras), totalizando 33 palavras-estímulos. Na Etapa 3, das 33 palavras-estímulos aplicadas, nove apresentaram pontuação de nomeação espontânea abaixo do esperado, sendo retestadas para a Etapa 4, Estudo Piloto. O resultado do Estudo Piloto evidenciou que das nove palavras-estímulos retestadas, quatro delas ainda apresentaram pontuação abaixo, sendo excluídas do estudo. Portanto com a aplicação do estudo piloto a lista expandida do PEEPS-BP, resultou em 29 palavras. Conclusão O PEEPS-BP - Lista Expandida apresentou evidências de validade de conteúdo satisfatórias para a adaptação transcultural do teste.

ABSTRACT Purpose To carry out the cross-cultural adaptation of the Instrument Profiles of Early Expressive Phonological Skills- Brazilian Portuguese (PEEPS-BP) - Expanded list, performing content validation. Methods Cross-cultural, quantitative and cross- sectional adaptation study, considering psychometric criteria. A study was carried out on the list of 423 words from the Communicative Development Inventory - MacArthur - Words and Sentences, adapted to Brazilian Portuguese. The method was divided into four steps. The list was judged by expert judges (JE) and non-specialist judges (JNE), considering as a criterion the familiarity of the word for a child aged between 24 and 36 months, and the representativeness of the word with toy/object, contemplating Steps 1 and 2. The child judges analyzed, in a data collection situation, the familiarity and representativeness of the stimulus-words, presented in Step 3. Afterwards, the pilot study - Step 4, was carried out with the selected stimulus-words. In the statistical analysis by expert and non-specialist judges, the Fleiss' Kappa and Gwet Concordance index was used. In the analysis of the responses of the child judges and in the Pilot Study, the analysis was made in relation to the type of response of the child, specifically scoring the spontaneous naming of the toy/object, scoring qualitatively. Results The result of Steps 1 and 2, and the agreement of the statistical tests for the Familiarity and Representativeness criteria was 45.7% for JE and 76.4% for JNE, and a result of 100% for the agreement of Representativeness. A total of 122 words were analyzed, resulting from previously established criteria, totaling 34 words (exclusion of one word by the researchers), totaling 33 stimulus-words. In Stage 3, of the 33 stimulus-words applied, nine presented spontaneous naming scores below expectations, being retested for Step 4, the Pilot Study. The result of the Pilot Study showed that of the nine retested stimulus-words, four of them still had a score below, being excluded from the study. Therefore, with the application of the Pilot Study, the expanded list of PEEPS-BP resulted in 29 words. Conclusion The PEEPS-BP - Expanded List showed satisfactory evidence of content validity for the cross-cultural adaptation of the test.

The PraxiFala Battery: A diagnostic accuracy study.

PURPOSE: To present the sensitivity and specificity and establish cutoff points (receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve) for the PraxiFala Battery. METHOD: The sample included 308 Brazilian-speaking children aged 3;0-7;11. Twenty-one children had motor speech disorders (MSD), 58 children had phonological disorder (PD), and 229 had typical speech (TS) development. Participants were administered the PraxiFala Battery, which contains verbal (word and sentence production), nonverbal (orofacial praxis), and diadochokinetic tasks. The sensitivity and specificity of items in each task were then calculated using ROC curves. RESULT: Total scores on the verbal (word production), nonverbal (orofacial praxis), and diadochokinetic tasks had good sensitivity and specificity. The only scores with poor sensitivity and specificity in differentiating between TS, PD, and MSD were consistency and prosody in the verbal tasks (sentence production), and item /ta/ in the diadochokinetic task. Area under the ROC curve (AUC) values were greater than 0.7 for most items in the comparison between TS vs. MSD and PD vs. MSD. AUC values were poor or fair among children with TS and PD, suggesting that this instrument may not be accurate in identifying these groups. CONCLUSION: The verbal, nonverbal, and diadochokinetic tasks in the PraxiFala Battery had good sensitivity and specificity.

Development and validation of an experimental verbal Episodic Memory task in Spanish. / Desarrollo y validación de una tarea experimental de Memoria Episódica verbal en español.

PURPOSE: To develop and validate an experimental verbal episodic memory task in Spanish. METHODS: Six encoding blocks were elaborated, three deep and three superficial, each one with different demands of cognitive effort. The blocks were reviewed by four expert judges and tested in a pilot application. The agreement was assessed on whether the task allowed combined processing level and cognitive effort to be manipulated during incidental encoding of words, as well as clarity of instructions, examples, and workflow. RESULTS: Variables such as lexical availability, metrics, and strength of association were useful to differentiate the cognitive effort between each block. The judges agreed that the processing blocks allowed a combined manipulation of the level of processing and cognitive effort and that the instructions are precise. After the pilot, the participants agreed that the instructions, examples, and way of working were easy to understand and perform. CONCLUSION: The results provide evidence of validity related to the content for the proposed experimental task, thus becoming a viable alternative to consider in research aimed at identifying environmental factors that contribute to compensating the defects shown by episodic memory with age.

PROPÓSITO: Elaborar y validar una tarea experimental de memoria episódica verbal en español. MÉTODO: Se elaboraron seis bloques de codificación: tres profundos y tres superficiales, cado uno con distintas demandas de esfuerzo cognitivo. Los bloques fueron revisados por cuatro jueces expertos y examinados en una aplicación piloto. Se evaluó la concordancia respecto a si la tarea permitía manipular combinadamente el nivel de procesamiento y el esfuerzo cognitivo durante la codificación incidental de palabras, así como la claridad de las instrucciones, ejemplos y dinámica de trabajo. RESULTADOS: Variables como la disponibilidad léxica, metría y fuerza de asociación fueron útiles para diferenciar el esfuerzo cognitivo entre cada bloque. Los jueces concordaron que los bloques de procesamiento admiten una manipulación combinada del nivel de procesamiento y esfuerzo cognitivo y que las instrucciones son precisas. Luego del pilotaje, los participantes concordaron que las instrucciones, ejemplos y forma de trabajo eran fácil de comprender y realizar. CONCLUSIÓN: Los resultados proporcionan evidencia de validez relacionada con el contenido para la tarea experimental propuesta, transformándose con ello en una alternativa viable de considerar en investigaciones orientadas a identificar factores ambientales que contribuyan a compensar los defectos que muestra la memoria episódica con la edad.

Desarrollo y validación de una tarea experimental de Memoria Episódica verbal en español / Development and validation of an experimental verbal Episodic Memory task in Spanish

RESUMEN Propósito Elaborar y validar una tarea experimental de memoria episódica verbal en español. Método Se elaboraron seis bloques de codificación: tres profundos y tres superficiales, cado uno con distintas demandas de esfuerzo cognitivo. Los bloques fueron revisados por cuatro jueces expertos y examinados en una aplicación piloto. Se evaluó la concordancia respecto a si la tarea permitía manipular combinadamente el nivel de procesamiento y el esfuerzo cognitivo durante la codificación incidental de palabras, así como la claridad de las instrucciones, ejemplos y dinámica de trabajo. Resultados Variables como la disponibilidad léxica, metría y fuerza de asociación fueron útiles para diferenciar el esfuerzo cognitivo entre cada bloque. Los jueces concordaron que los bloques de procesamiento admiten una manipulación combinada del nivel de procesamiento y esfuerzo cognitivo y que las instrucciones son precisas. Luego del pilotaje, los participantes concordaron que las instrucciones, ejemplos y forma de trabajo eran fácil de comprender y realizar. Conclusión Los resultados proporcionan evidencia de validez relacionada con el contenido para la tarea experimental propuesta, transformándose con ello en una alternativa viable de considerar en investigaciones orientadas a identificar factores ambientales que contribuyan a compensar los defectos que muestra la memoria episódica con la edad.

ABSTRACT Purpose To develop and validate an experimental verbal episodic memory task in Spanish. Methods Six encoding blocks were elaborated, three deep and three superficial, each one with different demands of cognitive effort. The blocks were reviewed by four expert judges and tested in a pilot application. The agreement was assessed on whether the task allowed combined processing level and cognitive effort to be manipulated during incidental encoding of words, as well as clarity of instructions, examples, and workflow. Results Variables such as lexical availability, metrics, and strength of association were useful to differentiate the cognitive effort between each block. The judges agreed that the processing blocks allowed a combined manipulation of the level of processing and cognitive effort and that the instructions are precise. After the pilot, the participants agreed that the instructions, examples, and way of working were easy to understand and perform. Conclusion The results provide evidence of validity related to the content for the proposed experimental task, thus becoming a viable alternative to consider in research aimed at identifying environmental factors that contribute to compensating the defects shown by episodic memory with age.

Semantic analysis of words for the Virtual Tool for Speech Assessment / Análise semântica de palavras do Instrumento Virtual de Avaliação da Fala

ABSTRACT Purpose: to carry out the semantic analysis of a list of words that will compose a virtual tool for speech assessment for children and adolescents. Methods: twenty-three participants, aged between 2 years old and 17 years and 11 months old, from the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, assigned the concept of 91 words. Data analysis was performed quantitatively, considering the concept of each word as correct or incorrect. Content Validity Ratio (RVC) and Gwet's first-order agreement coefficient (AC1) statistical calculation were calculated. Results: from the word list analyzed, 42 stimuli presented CVR = 1; 30 words obtained CVR = 0.9; 11 with CVR = 0.8; six with CVR = 0.7; two had CVR = 0.4. Gwet's AC1 statistical calculation resulted in AC1 = 0.92 [CI = 0.90 - 0.94] for semantic analysis. Conclusion: the list consisted of 91 semantically validated words that can be used to assess the speech production of children and adolescents.

RESUMO Objetivo: realizar a análise semântica da lista de palavras que comporá um Instrumento Virtual de Avaliação da Fala para crianças e adolescentes. Métodos: vinte e três participantes, com idades entre 2 e 17 anos e 11 meses, atribuíram o conceito de 91 palavras. A análise dos dados foi realizada de forma quantitativa, considerando a conceituação de cada palavra como correta ou incorreta. Foi realizado cálculo da Razão de Validade de Conteúdo (RVC) e o cálculo estatístico first-order agreement coefficient (AC1) de Gwet. Resultados: da lista de palavras analisada, 42 estímulos apresentaram RVC=1; 30 palavras obtiveram RVC=0,9; 11 com RVC=0,8; seis com RVC=0,7; duas apresentaram RVC=0,4. O cálculo estatístico AC1 de Gwet resultou em AC1=0,92 [IC=0,90 - 0,94] para a análise semântica. Conclusão: a lista ficou constituída de 91 palavras validadas semanticamente e que podem servir para avaliação da produção de fala de crianças e adolescentes.

Performance in the accuracy task in children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech after an integrated intervention of literacy and motor skills.

Difficult in literacy skills are often seen in children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). This occurs because oral language has direct relationship with reading and writing learning. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance in the accuracy task of an integrated phonoarticulatory awareness, motor skills and literacy intervention of three children with CAS. Three boys between 5;3 and 5;8 years of age, with CAS, were offered 2 hours per week of therapy sessions based on literacy and motor skills. The children were assessed before and after therapy and at a maintenance assessment 1 month after the treatment ceased. The children improved on the accuracy task considering their deficits level. Improvement was maintained at the maintenance assessment. Therapy based on literacy considering phonoarticulatory awareness and motor skills can help children with CAS, but the severity of the children's communication problems must be taken into consideration.

Segmental acquisition of Brazilian Portuguese: onset simple, complex and coda. / Aquisição segmental do Português Brasileiro: onset simples, complexo e coda.

PURPOSE: To present and analyze the acquisition segmental curve of Brazilian Portuguese in simple and complex onset position and coda position. METHODS: 857 children with typical phonological acquisition participated in it, aged between 3:0 and 8:11, divided into age groups every 6 months. Participants were assessed using INFONO phonological assessment software. After analyzing the results, acquisition curves were drawn up for the segments analyzed in the different structures (simple and complex onset position and coda position). RESULTS: It was noted that, in simple onset position, some segments were acquired before 3:0 (stops, nasal and fricative, /f, v, s, z/. The /ʃ/ and /l/ segments were acquired at 3:0, /ʒ/ and /x/ at 3:6, /ʎ/ at 4:0, /r/ at 4:6; in coda position /N/ and /L/ were acquired before of 3:0, /S/ at 3:6 and /r/ at 4:6; in complex onset position, the structures composed by Fricative + /r/ and Stop + /r/ were acquired at 5:0, Stop + /l/ at 5:6 and Fricative + /l/ at 6:0. CONCLUSION: Analyzing the acquisition curve is essential, as it provides a reference on the age of acquisition of segments in different syllabic structures. The acquisition curve contributes to the early identification of delays in phonological acquisition process enabling a timely referral for speech therapy intervention.

OBJETIVO: Apresentar e analisar a curva de aquisição segmental do Português Brasileiro em onset simples, complexo e coda. MÉTODO: Participaram 857 crianças com aquisição fonológica típica, com idades entre 3:0 e 8:11, divididos em faixas etárias de 6 em 6 meses. Os participantes foram avaliados, por meio do software INFONO de avaliação fonológica. Após a análise dos resultados foram elaboradas curvas de aquisição dos segmentos analisados nas diferentes estruturas (onset simples, complexo e coda). RESULTADOS: Observou-se que, em onset simples, alguns segmentos estavam adquiridos antes dos 3:0 (plosivas, nasais e fricativas /f, v, s, z/). Os segmentos /ʃ/ e /l/ foram adquiridos aos 3:0, /ʒ/ e /x/ aos 3:6, /ʎ/ aos 4:0, /ɾ/ aos 4:6; em coda, /N/ e /L/ foram adquiridos antes dos 3:0, /S/ aos 3:6 e /ɾ/ aos 4:6; em onset complexo, as estruturas compostas por Fricativa+/ɾ/ e Plosiva+/ɾ/ foram adquiridas aos 5:0, Plosiva+/l/ aos 5:6 e Fricativa + /l/ aos 6:0. CONCLUSÃO: Analisar a curva de aquisição é fundamental, pois fornece referência sobre a idade de aquisição dos segmentos nas diferentes estruturas silábicas. A curva de aquisição contribui para a identificação precoce de atrasos no processo de aquisição fonológica possibilitando um encaminhamento oportuno para a intervenção fonoaudiológica.

Phonological acquisition of Brazilian Portuguese: Ages of customary production, acquisition and mastery.

BACKGROUND: AIMS: To describe typical phonological development of Brazilian Portuguese (BP)-speaking children, considering the following parameters: age of customary production, acquisition and mastery. METHODS & PROCEDURES: Data were collected from 857 children aged between 3 years and 8 years 11 months with typical language and speech development. The sample was grouped into 6-month age bands. The data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Games-Howell post-hoc tests. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: Stops (/p, b, t, d, k, g/), nasals (/m, n, ɲ/) and some fricatives (/f, v, s, z/) were mastered before the age of 3 years (age of mastery). The age of acquisition for phonemes /ʃ, ʒ/ was 3;6, though both were only mastered at 4;0 years. The liquid /l/ was acquired at 3;0 and mastered at age 3;6, while /x/ was acquired and mastered at age 3;6. The phoneme /ʎ/ was acquired at 7;0 and mastered at age 8;6. The tap /ɾ/ was acquired between the ages of 4;0 and 4;6, and mastered at 4;6. In coda position, /n, l/ were acquired at 3;0, while /s/ was mastered at 4;6 and /ɾ/ between 4;6 and 5;0 years. Clusters involving /ɾ/ were acquired at 6;0, while those with /l/ were acquired between the ages of 6;6 and 7;0. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: This study presented acquisition for consonants in BP and can be used as a reference for the assessment of developmental speech disorders. In this study, stops and nasals were acquired first, followed by fricatives and, lastly, liquids. This finding is corroborated by previous studies in BP and other languages. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject What this paper adds to existing knowledge What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?

Performance in the accuracy task in children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech after an integrated intervention of literacy and motor skills / Desempenho na tarefa de precisão em crianças com Apraxia de Fala na Infância após intervenção integrada de alfabetização e habilidades motoras

ABSTRACT Difficult in literacy skills are often seen in children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). This occurs because oral language has direct relationship with reading and writing learning. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance in the accuracy task of an integrated phonoarticulatory awareness, motor skills and literacy intervention of three children with CAS. Three boys between 5;3 and 5;8 years of age, with CAS, were offered 2 hours per week of therapy sessions based on literacy and motor skills. The children were assessed before and after therapy and at a maintenance assessment 1 month after the treatment ceased. The children improved on the accuracy task considering their deficits level. Improvement was maintained at the maintenance assessment. Therapy based on literacy considering phonoarticulatory awareness and motor skills can help children with CAS, but the severity of the children's communication problems must be taken into consideration.

RESUMO Dificuldade nas habilidades de alfabetização são frequentemente observadas em crianças com Apraxia da Fala na Infância (AFI). Isso ocorre porque a linguagem oral tem relação direta com a aprendizagem da leitura e da escrita. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho na tarefa de acurácia de uma intervenção integrada de consciência fonoarticulatória, habilidades motoras e letramento de três crianças com AFI. Três meninos com idade entre 5:3 e 5:8 anos, com AFI, receberam 2 horas semanais de sessões de terapia baseadas na alfabetização e habilidades motoras. As crianças foram avaliadas antes e após a terapia e em uma avaliação de manutenção 1 mês após o término do tratamento. As crianças melhoraram na tarefa de precisão, considerando o nível de seus déficits. A melhora foi mantida na avaliação de manutenção. A terapia baseada na alfabetização, considerando a consciência fonológica e as habilidades motoras, pode ajudar as crianças com AFI, mas a gravidade dos problemas de comunicação das crianças deve ser levada em consideração.

Aquisição segmental do Português Brasileiro: onset simples, complexo e coda / Segmental acquisition of Brazilian Portuguese: onset simple, complex and coda

RESUMO Objetivo Apresentar e analisar a curva de aquisição segmental do Português Brasileiro em onset simples, complexo e coda. Método Participaram 857 crianças com aquisição fonológica típica, com idades entre 3:0 e 8:11, divididos em faixas etárias de 6 em 6 meses. Os participantes foram avaliados, por meio do software INFONO de avaliação fonológica. Após a análise dos resultados foram elaboradas curvas de aquisição dos segmentos analisados nas diferentes estruturas (onset simples, complexo e coda). Resultados Observou-se que, em onset simples, alguns segmentos estavam adquiridos antes dos 3:0 (plosivas, nasais e fricativas /f, v, s, z/). Os segmentos /ʃ/ e /l/ foram adquiridos aos 3:0, /ʒ/ e /x/ aos 3:6, /ʎ/ aos 4:0, /ɾ/ aos 4:6; em coda, /N/ e /L/ foram adquiridos antes dos 3:0, /S/ aos 3:6 e /ɾ/ aos 4:6; em onset complexo, as estruturas compostas por Fricativa+/ɾ/ e Plosiva+/ɾ/ foram adquiridas aos 5:0, Plosiva+/l/ aos 5:6 e Fricativa + /l/ aos 6:0. Conclusão Analisar a curva de aquisição é fundamental, pois fornece referência sobre a idade de aquisição dos segmentos nas diferentes estruturas silábicas. A curva de aquisição contribui para a identificação precoce de atrasos no processo de aquisição fonológica possibilitando um encaminhamento oportuno para a intervenção fonoaudiológica.

ABSTRACT Purpose To present and analyze the acquisition segmental curve of Brazilian Portuguese in simple and complex onset position and coda position. Methods 857 children with typical phonological acquisition participated in it, aged between 3:0 and 8:11, divided into age groups every 6 months. Participants were assessed using INFONO phonological assessment software. After analyzing the results, acquisition curves were drawn up for the segments analyzed in the different structures (simple and complex onset position and coda position). Results It was noted that, in simple onset position, some segments were acquired before 3:0 (stops, nasal and fricative, /f, v, s, z/. The /ʃ/ and /l/ segments were acquired at 3:0, /ʒ/ and /x/ at 3:6, /ʎ/ at 4:0, /r/ at 4:6; in coda position /N/ and /L/ were acquired before of 3:0, /S/ at 3:6 and /r/ at 4:6; in complex onset position, the structures composed by Fricative + /r/ and Stop + /r/ were acquired at 5:0, Stop + /l/ at 5:6 and Fricative + /l/ at 6:0. Conclusion Analyzing the acquisition curve is essential, as it provides a reference on the age of acquisition of segments in different syllabic structures. The acquisition curve contributes to the early identification of delays in phonological acquisition process enabling a timely referral for speech therapy intervention.

Como os fonoaudiólogos realizam avaliação da produção de fala por meio da telessaúde? / How do speech-language pathologists assess speech production through telehealth?

RESUMO Objetivo verificar se, por conta da pandemia, os fonoaudiólogos clínicos estavam realizando teleatendimento, se faziam avaliações de fala utilizando o meio virtual e de que modo o faziam, bem como quais instrumentos utilizavam. Métodos a amostra foi composta por 271 fonoaudiólogos clínicos do país. Foi enviado um questionário online com perguntas a respeito da sua formação e atuação profissional, da realização de atendimentos fonoaudiológicos (avaliação, acompanhamento e terapia) e avaliações de fala por meio da telessaúde, isto é, se estavam realizando atendimento e avaliação por esse meio e como o estavam fazendo. Os dados foram analisados descritivamente. Resultados a maioria dos fonoaudiólogos que participaram do estudo estava realizando atendimentos por meio da telessaúde. Porém, apenas um pequeno grupo dos profissionais realizou avaliação da fala nessa modalidade, utilizando, como método de coleta de dados a fala espontânea, figuras para nomeação, instrumentos adaptados para o meio virtual - Teste de Linguagem Infantil (ABFW) e Avaliação Fonológica da Criança (AFC) -, vídeos enviados pelos familiares, entre outros. Ainda, mais da metade dos fonoaudiólogos referiu acreditar que seja viável realizar avaliação da fala por telessaúde. Entretanto, consideraram que a avaliação por esse meio não tem a mesma efetividade que a avaliação presencial. Conclusão a telessaúde, embora pouco difundida no Brasil, apresenta profissionais fonoaudiólogos atuantes na modalidade. Nesse sentido, surge a necessidade de adaptação de instrumentos de avaliação para aplicação virtual, além de aperfeiçoamento da infraestrutura (áudio, vídeo, suporte e rede de internet).

ABSTRACT Purpose to verify if, due to the pandemic, clinical speech therapists perform teleservice, if they carry out speech assessments using the virtual environment and how they are doing it, as well as which instruments they use. Methods the sample consisted of 271 clinical speech therapists in the country. An online questionnaire was sent with questions about their education and professional performance, speech therapy services (assessment, monitoring and therapy) and speech assessments through Telehealth, that is, if they were performing care and assessment through this means and how they were doing it. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results Most speech therapists who participated in the study were providing assistance through Telehealth. However, only a small group of professionals performed speech assessment in this modality, using spontaneous speech as a data collection method, pictures for naming, instruments adapted for the virtual environment - ABFW and AFC, videos sent by family members, among others. Furthermore, more than half of the speech therapists believe that it is feasible to carry out speech assessment using Telehealth. However, they consider that the evaluation by this means does not have the same effectiveness as the face-to-face evaluation. Conclusion Telehealth, although not widespread in Brazil, has speech therapist professionals working in this modality. In this sense, there is a need to adapt assessment instruments for virtual application, in addition to improving the infrastructure (audio, video, support and internet network).

Ultrassonografia dos movimentos de língua na avaliação e terapia do ceceio anterior: um estudo de caso / Ultrasonography of tongue movements in the assessment and therapy of anterior lisp: a case study / Ecografía de los movimientos de la lengua en la evaluación y la terapia del ceceo anterior: un estudio de caso

Introdução: O ceceio é um tipo de transtorno dos sons da fala decorrente de alterações nas estruturas orofaciais. Os métodos perceptivo-auditivos de avaliação fonoaudiológica podem gerar dúvidas quanto à natureza do transtorno e, portanto, as avaliações instrumentais são recomendadas para obter um diagnóstico mais preciso e completo. A ultrassonografia dos movimentos de língua permite a visualização em tempo real do movimento da língua durante a fala podendo contribuir na fonoterapia como biofeedback visual ultrassonográfico (BVU). Objetivos: Descrever os gestos articulatórios das fricativas /s/, /z/, /ʃ/ e /Æ·/ pré e pós-terapia fonoaudiológica com BVU em uma criança com ceceio anterior. Métodos: Foram avaliados diversos aspectos da fala de uma menina de oito anos com ceceio anterior, e coletadas imagens ultrassonográficas antes e após cinco sessões de terapia utilizando BVU. Foram comparadas as imagens da língua na produção dos sons /s, z, ʃ, Æ·/ pré e pós a intervenção fonoaudiológica com BVU. Resultados: Antes do tratamento, a paciente anteriorizava sem elevar a ponta de língua em /s/ e /z/; e em /ʃ/ e /Æ·/ também havia anteriorização de ponto articulatório, mas sem interposição. Após a fonoterapia, houve ajuste do ponto articulatório e aquisição da elevação de ponta de língua em /s/ e /z/ resultando em maior constrição de língua em /ʃ/ e /Æ·/. Conclusão: A ultrassonografia mostrou-se importante para a caracterização e descrição do ceceio anterior, e o seu uso como BVU permitiu melhora expressiva na produção articulatória por proporcionar automonitoramento durante a fala, num curto período de atendimento.

Introduction: lisping is a type of speech disorder resulting from changes in orofacial structures. The auditory-perceptual methods of speech-language assessment can raise doubts as to the nature of the disorder and, therefore, instrumental assessments are recommended to obtain a more accurate diagnosis. Ultrasonography of tongue movements allows real-time visualization of tongue movement during speech and may contribute to speech therapy as visual biofeedback. Objectives: To describe the articulatory gestures of fricatives /s/, /z/, /ʃ/ e /Ʒ/ before and after speech therapy with visual ultrasound biofeedback in a child with anterior lisp. Methods: Several aspects of the speech of an eight-year-old girl with previous lisp were evaluated, and ultrasound images were collected before and after 05 therapy sessions using ultrasound as instrumental biofeedback. The images of the tongue in the production of sounds /s, z, ʃ, Ʒ/ were compared before and after the speech therapy intervention. Results: Before treatment, the patient anteriorized without raising the tip of the tongue in /s/ and /z/; in /ʃ/ and /Ʒ/ there was anteriorization of the articulation point, but without interposition. After speech therapy, he adjusted the articulation point and acquired tongue tip elevation in /s/ and /z/ and presented greater tongue constriction in /ʃ/ and /Ʒ/. Conclusion: Ultrasonography proved to be important for the diagnosis and description of the previous lisp, and its use as biofeedback allowed a significant improvement in articulatory production due to its self-monitoring during speech, in a short period of care.

Introducción: el ceceo es un tipo de trastorno del habla resultante de cambios en las estructuras orofaciales. Los métodos auditivo-perceptivos de evaluación del habla y el lenguaje pueden generar dudas sobre la naturaleza del trastorno y, por lo tanto, se recomiendan evaluaciones instrumentales para obtener un diagnóstico más preciso. La ecografía de los movimientos de la lengua permite la visualización en tiempo real del movimiento de la lengua durante el habla y puede contribuir a la terapia del habla como biorretroalimentación visual. Objetivos: Describir los gestos articulatorios involucrados en la producción del habla de un niño con ceceo previo y compararlos antes y después de la logopedia con biofeedback visual por ultrasonido. Métodos: Se evaluaron varios aspectos del habla de una niña de ocho años con ceceo previo, y se recolectaron imágenes de ultrasonido antes y después de 05 sesiones de terapia utilizando ultrasonido como biofeedback instrumental. Se compararon las imágenes de la lengua en la producción de sonidos /s, z, ʃ, Æ·/ antes y después de la intervención logopédica. Resultados: antes del tratamiento, el paciente realizó una anteriorización sin levantar la punta de la lengua en /s/ y /z/; en /ʃ/ y /Æ·/ hubo anteriorización del punto de articulación, pero sin interposición. Después de la logopedia, ajustó el punto de articulación y adquirió elevación de la punta de la lengua en /s/ y /z/ y presentó mayor constricción de la lengua en /ʃ/ y /Æ·/. Conclusión: La ecografía demostró ser importante para el diagnóstico y descripción del ceceo previo, y su uso como biofeedback permitió una mejora significativa en la producción articulatoria debido a su autocontrol durante el habla, en un corto período de atención.

Dynamic Evaluation of Motor Speech Skill: Adaptation for Brazilian Portuguese.

PURPOSE: To describe the adaptation of verbal tasks (words) in the Dynamic Evaluation of Motor Speech Skills - DEMSS (Strand et al., 2013; Strand & McCauley, 2019) for subsequent inclusion in an analogous instrument in Brazilian Portuguese (BP). METHODS: The adaptation process consisted of six steps. Step 1: Three professionals carried out the translation and back-translation of the test's instructions and background content. Step 2: Two speech-language pathologists (SLP) with expertise in speech-language selected new stimuli for the instrument to make it appropriate for BP. Step 3: Seven expert judges determined the adequacy of test stimuli. Step 4: Eight non-expert judges, children with typical speech development, indicated whether the stimulus words were part of their vocabulary. Step 5: the instrument was administered in 20 children with typical speech development (pilot sample). The results of steps 3, 4 and 5 were examined using Content Validity Ratio. Step 6: Administration of the BP version of the DEMSS in one case of Childhood Apraxia Speech (CAS). RESULTS: 269 words were selected by the expert SLP (Step 2). These words were submitted to evaluation for expert judges (Step 3) and 96 of them were considered adequate. These items were then submitted to the child judges (Step 4) to evaluate their knowledge and use of the words, and in the pilot sample (Step 5) to evaluate the production accuracy of a larger group of children. A total of 44 words were selected after analysis of the results of Steps 4 and 5. In Step 6 the patient completed the final version of the BP version of the DEMSS to determine the feasibility of its use in young children with CAS. CONCLUSION: The translation, back-translation and evaluations by nativespeaking expert judges during the cross-cultural adaptation process and the application in one children with CAS demonstrate the content validity of the adapted instrument. Then, the BP version of the DEMSS has adequate content validity for the assessment of motor speech skills.

Endereçamentos maternos e produções vocais infans: o sujeito em constituição / Direccionamientos maternos y producciones vocales infans: el sujeto en constitución / Maternal addressments and vocal production in the infans: the subject in construction

RESUMO: Este estudo analisa a função dos endereçamentos maternos nos primórdios da constituição psíquica com base nas inscrições primárias que fazem corpo no infanseevidenciam o lugar da voz escandida no psiquismo. Embasado na leitura da obra de Freud e de Lacan, o artigo aborda os tempos diacrônicos das produções vocais dos bebês, vinculando-os aos momentos sincrônicos da constituição do sujeito na psicanálise. A pesquisa realizada foi um estudo de caso exploratório-descritivo, do qual participaram dois bebês e suas mães. Os casos foram acompanhados longitudinalmente durante o período de um a 11 meses de idade dos bebês. Os resultados apontados atestam: a primariedade rítmica incidente no infans; os contornos prosódicos vocais nos bebês; a instauração da voz apelativa e a voz que ressoa articulada. Conclui-se que o sujeito ressoa, em seu corpo, a temporalidade do andamento materno desde os primeiros endereçamentos, o que se evidencia nas manifestações vocais do bebê.

RESUMEN: En este estudio se analiza la función de los direccionamientos maternos en los principios de la constitución psíquica con base en las inscripciones primarias que hacen el cuerpo del infansy evidencian el lugar de la voz escandida en el psiquismo. Basado en la lectura de la obra de Freud y Lacan, el artículo aborda los tiempos diacrónicos de las producciones vocales de los bebés, vinculándolos a los momentos sincrónicos de la constitución del sujeto en el Psicoanálisis. La investigación realizada ha sido un estudio de caso exploratorio-descriptivo, en el que participaron dos bebés y sus madres. Los casos han sido acompañados longitudinalmente durante el período de uno a once meses de edad de los bebés. Los resultados obtenidos señalan: la primariedad rítmica incidente en el infans; los contornos prosódicos vocales en los bebés; la instauración de la voz apelativa y la voz que resuena articulada. Se concluye que el sujeto resuena, en su cuerpo, la temporalidad del andamiento materno desde los primeros direccionamientos, lo que se evidencia en las manifestaciones vocales del bebé.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to analyze the function of maternal addressing in the psychic constitution, considering the primary inscriptions that act on the infans and evidence the place of the scandid voice on the psychism. Based on Freud's and Lacan's studies, the article addresses the diachronic timing of the vocal production of babies, linking them to the synchronic moments of the constitution of the subject in psychoanalysis. This was an exploratory descriptive case study, and the participants were two babies and their mothers. Cases were longitudinally followed up; from the time the babies were one to 11 months old. The results reflect the primary nature of rhythm in the infans; the prosodic features of infant vocalizations; the onset of the voice of appeal and the articulate voice. We conclude that the body of the subject echoes the temporality of maternal speech from the very first addressments, as evidenced by the vocal manifestations of the infant.

Tongue movements in the production of /l/ in children with and without speech sound disorders in different ages. / Movimentos de língua na produção do /l/ em crianças com e sem distúrbios dos sons da fala em diferentes faixas etárias.

PURPOSE: this study used the ultrasonography of the tongue movements and the dynamic models of speech production to characterize the articulatory gestures of in the production of /l/ at the Brazilian Portuguese in different age groups, comparing them between typical and atypical children. METHODS: the sample consisted of 30 typical and 30 atypical children between ages of four and eight-years-old, who underwent speech-language and ultrasonographic evaluations. The evaluation was realized by recording words reproduction with the sound /l/ and the following vocalic contexts: /a/, /i/ and /u/, repeating six times for each word. The software for recording and analysis was Articulate Assistant Advanced (AAA). The quantitative analysis considered the 42 points that intercepted the tongue curves in each image to describe the articulatory gestures; the estimation of the mean lines of each curve and the confidence intervals between typical and atypical children groups; and the differences between the mean tongue contours curves according to age group. RESULTS: the results presented a tongue tip elevation and dorsal and root retraction in /l/. Typical children, regardless of age, showed a greater refinement of articulatory tongue gestures than the atypical ones. In older children, there was more delimitation in the mean tongue contours from the tongue tip to the root. CONCLUSION: the ultrasonography of the tongue movements is a substantial implement to characterize the articulatory gestures of /l/, to the differentiation between typical and atypical productions in this sound, and observation of the development of the articulatory gestures.

OBJETIVO: este estudo utilizou a ultrassonografia dos movimentos de língua e modelos dinâmicos de produção de fala para caracterizar os gestos articulatórios na produção do /l/ no Português Brasileiro (PB) em diferentes faixas etárias, comparando-os entre crianças típicas e atípicas. MÉTODO: a amostra foi constituída por 30 crianças típicas e 30 atípicas, com idades entre 4 e 8 anos, submetidas a avaliações fonoaudiológica e ultrassonográfica. A avaliação foi realizada mediante gravação da produção de palavras com o som /l/ nos contextos vocálicos de /a/, /i/ e /u/, com seis repetições de cada palavra. O software utilizado foi o Articulate Assistant Advanced (AAA). Para as análises quantitativas foram considerados: os 42 pontos que interceptaram as curvas de língua em cada imagem para descrição dos gestos articulatórios; o cálculo das linhas médias de cada curva e os intervalos de confiança entre os grupos; e o cálculo das diferenças entre as curvas médias dos contornos de língua de acordo com a faixa etária. RESULTADOS: houve elevação de ponta de língua e retração de dorso e raiz na articulação do /l/. As crianças típicas, independentemente da idade, apresentaram maior refinamento dos gestos articulatórios de língua do que as atípicas. Nas crianças mais velhas, houve maior delimitação nos contornos médios de língua desde a ponta até a raiz. CONCLUSÃO: a ultrassonografia dos movimentos de língua é uma importante ferramenta para a caracterização dos gestos articulatórios do /l/, para diferenciação entre as produções típica e atípica deste som, e observação do desenvolvimento dos gestos articulatórios.

Phonological Assessment Instrument (INFONO): A pilot study. / Instrumento de Avaliação Fonológica (INFONO): estudo piloto.

PURPOSE: To analyze the recognizability and effectiveness of items in the Phonological Assessment Tool (Instrumento de Avaliação Fonológica - INFONO) at eliciting target words, as well as to evaluate the internal consistency of the instrument and compare performance between genders, school types and typical vs. atypical phonological development. METHOD: Participants were 48 children (n=26 with typical phonological development and n=22 with atypical development) categorized by age (6 age groups ranging from 3 years and 8 years 11 months), type of school (public vs. private) and gender (male vs. female). Data were collected by the spontaneous naming task of the INFONO. Recognition rates, scores, recognition difficulties and internal consistency were examined in 116 items. Performance in a final set of 84 items was also compared between genders, school types and typical/atypical phonological development. RESULTS: Most target words achieved high recognition rates were considered suitable for use in the INFONO. Some images had to be redesigned to facilitate the spontaneous production of target words, while other items were excluded from the instrument altogether. The instrument demonstrated excellent internal consistency. There were no statistically significant differences between genders and school types, though differences were observed between typically and atypically developing children. CONCLUSION: The images in the INFONO were successfully recognized by participants and were effective at eliciting the target words. The final set of items contained the minimum number of target words which would allow for an assessment of all phonemes in Brazilian Portuguese in different word and syllable positions, and these items presented excellent internal consistency.

Normative Features of Phoneme Acquisition in Brazilian Portuguese.

PURPOSE: To analyze the influence of gender, age, and types of school (public or private) on phoneme production, and provide normative data on phonological acquisition in Brazilian Portuguese (BP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 733 children (ages 3 years to 8 years and 11 months), all monolingual speakers of BP with typical phonological development. Participants were evaluated using the spontaneous naming task from the Phonological Assessment Tool (Instrumento de Avaliação Fonológica - INFONO). The children's speech production was audio-recorded, transcribed, and submitted to phonological analysis. RESULTS: The effect of age was significant for all phonemes and syllable structures, especially when analyzed in combination with types of school and gender. Overall, phoneme production accuracy increased with age and varied depending on the types of school attended by the children, but did not differ between genders. CONCLUSION: Age had a greater impact on phoneme production. The normative data on phonological acquisition highlighted the differences between the ages of mastery for different phonemes, with elements such as the /r/ sound and complex onsets being acquired much later in development than some of the other phonemes analyzed.

Instrumento de Avaliação Fonológica (INFONO): estudo piloto / Phonological Assessment Instrument (INFONO): A pilot study

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a adequação dos itens propostos para o Instrumento de Avaliação Fonológica (INFONO) quanto ao reconhecimento e à produção da palavra-alvo, bem como analisar a consistência interna dos itens selecionados e comparar entre as variáveis sexo, tipo de escola e desenvolvimento fonológico (típico e atípico). Método: Participaram 48 crianças (n=26 com desenvolvimento fonológico típico e n=22 com desenvolvimento fonológico atípico) categorizadas por: idade (seis faixas etárias de 3 a 8 anos e 11 meses); tipo de escola (pública e privada), e sexo (feminino e masculino). Utilizou-se o INFONO por nomeação espontânea para a coleta dos dados da fala. Analisou-se o percentual de reconhecimento e produção dos itens (n=116), as dificuldades de reconhecimento destes, a consistência interna para o total de itens, e o desempenho das crianças (n=84), considerando as variáveis sexo, tipo de escola e desenvolvimento fonológico. Resultados: A maioria dos itens apresentou um percentual de reconhecimento alto, sendo estes considerados adequados para compor o INFONO. Algumas imagens precisaram ser reelaboradas para facilitar a produção espontânea do alvo e outras foram excluídas do instrumento. O instrumento demonstrou excelente consistência interna dos itens. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre as variáveis sexo e tipo de escola, mas sim quanto ao desenvolvimento fonológico. Conclusão: O INFONO permitiu a correta identificação das imagens e a produção do alvo desejado. Ainda, obteve-se uma quantidade mínima de itens que possibilitam a avaliação de todos os fonemas do Português Brasileiro em diferentes posições na sílaba e na palavra, e esses itens apresentaram excelente consistência interna.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyze the recognizability and effectiveness of items in the Phonological Assessment Tool (Instrumento de Avaliação Fonológica - INFONO) at eliciting target words, as well as to evaluate the internal consistency of the instrument and compare performance between genders, school types and typical vs. atypical phonological development. Method: Participants were 48 children (n=26 with typical phonological development and n=22 with atypical development) categorized by age (6 age groups ranging from 3 years and 8 years 11 months), type of school (public vs. private) and gender (male vs. female). Data were collected by the spontaneous naming task of the INFONO. Recognition rates, scores, recognition difficulties and internal consistency were examined in 116 items. Performance in a final set of 84 items was also compared between genders, school types and typical/atypical phonological development. Results: Most target words achieved high recognition rates were considered suitable for use in the INFONO. Some images had to be redesigned to facilitate the spontaneous production of target words, while other items were excluded from the instrument altogether. The instrument demonstrated excellent internal consistency. There were no statistically significant differences between genders and school types, though differences were observed between typically and atypically developing children. Conclusion: The images in the INFONO were successfully recognized by participants and were effective at eliciting the target words. The final set of items contained the minimum number of target words which would allow for an assessment of all phonemes in Brazilian Portuguese in different word and syllable positions, and these items presented excellent internal consistency.