Phonological processing refers to the use of the sounds of one's language (phonemes) to process spoken and written language. It encompasses phonological awareness, phonological working memory, and phonological retrieval, all of which are important for speech production and the development of spoken and written language skills
. Phonological processing is foundational for reading and writing and is a critical skill for communication and learning. It allows individuals to break down words into their individual sounds and then blend those sounds back together to form new words
. Estimates suggest that 10-33% of the population may have difficulty perceiving individual sounds and syllables in words, and underdeveloped phonological processing can impact reading and spelling success
. In educational settings, teaching strategies for phonological processing involve assessing the student's current level of functioning, developing and implementing modified language expectations, providing direct instruction using visuals and concrete materials, and using assistive technology
