Speech motor function in relation to phonology. Eurocomputational modeling of disordered development

PhD ceremony: Mr. H.R. Terband, 14.45 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Title: Speech motor function in relation to phonology. Eurocomputational modeling of disordered development

Promotor(s): prof. B.A.M. Maassen, prof. P.H.H.M. van Lieshout

Faculty: Medical Sciences

Speaking is one of the most complex human skills. Although most children successfully acquire speech, those with speech sound disorders keep struggling at the stage where they want to produce meaningful speech. This thesis describes a modelling approach in which a computational neural model of speech acquisition and production is utilised to investigate the cognitive and neurological processes of speech sound disorders. The findings provide valuable insights into the processes involved, the relation between core deficits, derived deficits and compensatory behaviour, and symptoms. This provides a theoretical basis for the development of individualised clinical practice in speech sound disorders.