Speech-Like Vocalization

A sound produced by a person that can be phonetically transcribed based on the conventions of a spoken language, distinguishing it from non-speech-like vocalizations such as grunts, screeches, or vocal stereotypies. In speech development research, particularly for nonverbal or minimally verbal children with autism, the distinction between speech-like and non-speech-like vocalizations is clinically significant: speech-like vocalizations represent precursors to functional speech and positive social communication, while non-speech-like vocalizations may disrupt social interactions. Intervention technologies ideally aim to increase the ratio of speech-like to non-speech-like vocalizations rather than simply increasing total vocalization volume.