In evaluating Leslie, what level of speech processing impairment does she demonstrate?

To understand why the level of speech processing impairment that Leslie demonstrates is categorized as phonetic (articulation) level, it's important to consider the characteristics of phonetic processing. This level focuses specifically on the production of speech sounds and the physical articulation during speech.

If Leslie's impairment is in the phonetic level, it indicates that the issue lies with her ability to produce specific sounds accurately. This could involve problems with the precise movements of the articulators (such as the tongue, lips, and palate) necessary to create the distinct phonetic qualities of speech. Phonetic impairments may manifest in various ways, such as misarticulations, substitutions of sounds, or difficulty coordinating the motor commands required for speech production.

In contrast, the other levels denote different types of processing issues. For instance, the phonological level pertains to the abstract understanding and organization of sounds in a language system, which is different from the actual physical production of those sounds. Language processing encompasses broader aspects of understanding, grammar, and the use of language in context, which again doesn't focus solely on articulation. Neuromotor planning refers to the brain's capability to plan and sequence movements for speech, which is also distinct from just the articulation of speech sounds.

Thus, identifying