What characterizes a phonological disorder?

A phonological disorder is characterized by difficulty acquiring the phonological system, which includes the rules and patterns for organizing sounds in a language. This can manifest as problems in distinguishing and producing sounds, leading to challenges in accurately articulating speech. Individuals with phonological disorders may use simpler or incorrect sound patterns that deviate from the typical phonological rules of their language, impacting their overall communicative effectiveness.

While some of the other options touch on aspects of language processing and communication challenges, they do not specifically address the core issue of phonology, which is concerned with sound systems and their rules. The difficulty in understanding grammar, reading aloud, or syntax comprehension pertains to other aspects of language, such as morphological or syntactic structures, and does not encapsulate the specific challenges associated with a phonological disorder. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective assessment and intervention strategies in speech-language pathology.