A more general look at these causes stems from two main reasons: Structural Abnormalities, and Speech Sound errors without any obvious cause. One major cause of these impairments can stem from a child diagnosed with a Syndrome. "A Syndrome is identified when a certain number of features co-occur across individuals." (Pg.74) A few examples of Syndromes that can cause problems in speech sound production are Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Velocardiofacial Syndrome, Genetic Syndromes, such as Fragile X Syndrome, and Chromosomal Syndromes, such as Turner Syndrome, Pierre Robin, Cri du chat, Klinefelter, and DiGeorge Syndrome. The effects of most of these Syndromes include Hearing Loss, Language Delay, Mental Retardation, and as already mentioned problems in Speech Sound Production. Tongue structure and Dental abnormalities may also cause articulation problems. Surgery, and orthodontic procedures prove to help improve articulation in children with these problems. Another major cause of Speech Production is Cleft Lip and Palate. "A cleft (or gap) occurs when there is not proper fusion of the tissues that form the upper lip or those that form the roof of the mouth." (pg.75) A child with a Cleft Palate will have a problem with Language Development due to their Structural Abnormality. Treatment for a child with a Cleft Palate involves a large team including a Speech Pathologist, Audiologist, ENT, Plastic Surgeon, Pediatrician, Orthodontist, and large family support. .
Neuromotor Impairments in children are another important cause of Speech Sound Disorders. A child who develops Motor Impairments from birth are diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy results from damage to the Central Nervous System. Children can also acquire Motor Impairments from injury or after contracting a disease that affects the Nervous System. "The Motor Speech problems of the child with Cerebral Palsy can be classified as a type of Dysarthria.
