Complexity Approach

For Speech Therapy

The complexity approach is a research-supported treatment approach used in speech and articulation therapy for children with speech sound disorders.

This approach focuses on creating system-wide change in a child’s phonological system by targeting later-developing, more complex sounds first, rather than working through sounds one at a time in developmental order.

Below, I’ll give a clear overview of how the complexity approach works, who it’s best suited for, and share the materials I use to support this approach in therapy.

Complexity Approach Overview

Who Created the Complexity Approach?

The complexity approach was developed by Judith Gierut, with foundational research published throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.

Her work demonstrated that targeting non-stimulable, later-developing sounds can result in broader phonological change, including improvements in untreated sounds.

What is the purpose of the complexity approach?

• create system-wide changes with a "trickle down" effect
• by working on later developing, more complex sounds, progress will generalize to other "earlier" developing sounds
• treatment is typically shorter than traditional speech therapy
• children make changes to phonological system, not just a few sounds

Who is it for?

The complexity approach is typically appropriate for:

• Children approximately 3–6 years old
• Children with multiple speech sound errors
• Children who are missing at least 5–7 sounds
• Children who demonstrate phonological pattern-based errors rather than isolated distortions

It is not intended for every child with articulation difficulties and requires a thorough speech sound analysis prior to goal selection.

It is research based?

Yes. The complexity approach is well supported by research and has been shown to promote generalization and system-wide phonological change in children with speech sound disorders.

Some research (e.g., Rvachew, 2011) suggests that alternative approaches—such as targeting earlier-developing sounds—may also be effective for certain children. These findings highlight the importance of individualized clinical decision-making rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

As with any evidence-based intervention, the complexity approach is most effective when used with children who match the recommended profile and when goals are selected carefully.

How Does The Complexity Approach Work?

Below is a brief overview of the process. If you would like a more in-depth overview, please visit the SLPath Path. 

• Therapy looks similar to "typical" speech therapy
• Goals look different since later developing, more complex sounds are chosen first
• Goals are NOT chosen at random
• First, an in-depth analysis of a child's speech system has to be completed. You can use my voice-place-manner charts to keep track of progress for singleton sounds. I also have new cluster charts to help pick out goals for complex clusters. See below for more information on that! 
• Second, make a list of the sounds the child DOES NOT HAVE and is NOT stimulable for.
• Third, out of those sounds, pick the sounds that are the MOST complex. Therapy starts with those sounds.

That is the gist of it.

Classify Sounds Based On Complexity

For quick reference, I made 2 references that show how sounds are classified based on complexity. At Speech Therapy Talk Members, I have the handouts up on the site!

Materials

When I began using the complexity approach, I quickly realized there were very few materials available—especially for complex clusters.

Because of that gap, I began creating my own.

Inside the Speech Therapy Talk Membership, you’ll find materials targeting complex clusters such as:

I have materials for drill practice and games in both print and no-print formats! The flexible materials allow you to target any goal at any level with leveled supports already built it. 

If you want to grab these charts and thousands of other materials, please join my awesome membership! You will have instant access to all complexity materials as well as 4,000+ materials in both English and Spanish.

FREE /s/ articulation materials?

Get started with effective /s/ therapy using clear visual cues, structured practice, and simple home support. This free packet includes tools you can use right away in sessions or send home—no prep, no overwhelm.

Perfect for SLPs who want practical /s/ support without overcomplicating therapy.

References: 

Storkel, H.L. (2018). The Complexity Approach to Phonological Treatment: How to Select Treatment Targets. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 49, 463-481.