What is primarily used to assess all articulation disorders?

The correct answer is based on the significance of phonological theories in understanding and assessing articulation disorders. Phonological theories focus on the way sounds function within a particular language and how they are organized and patterned in speech. This understanding is crucial for identifying and evaluating articulation disorders, as it provides insights into the underlying phonological processes affecting an individual’s ability to produce speech sounds correctly.

Phonological assessments often include analyzing sound patterns, processes, and their relationship with the individual's speech intelligibility. By utilizing these theories, speech therapists can determine whether a client's articulation difficulties stem from phonological processing issues, enabling more targeted intervention strategies.

While developmental theories and clinical evaluations are important in the field, they do not specifically center on the articulation aspects as comprehensively as phonological theories do. Developmental theories may provide a broader context about speech and language development but might not focus deeply on the specifics of articulation disorders. Clinical evaluations are essential for overall assessment but are often informed by the frameworks established by phonological theories, making the latter the primary approach for assessing articulation disorders.