Improving Articulation - Key Factors

The National Outcome Measurement System (NOMS) is a data collection system developed by The American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) to illustrate the value of speech-language and audiology services provided to children and adults with communication and swallowing disorders. As a part of NOMS, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) collect data to determine what factors may affect progress using ASHA’s Functional Communication Measures (FCMs).

Findings from NOMS reveal that the main factors affecting FCM progress among children receiving SLP treatment for articulation disorders are treatment time, service delivery model (individual vs. group), and home program completion. While all of these factors positively affect functional progress, children completing individual therapy sessions and participating in a daily home program demonstrated the most significant overall improvement.