What term describes the confusion of similar speech sounds, such as perceiving /p/ and /b/ as the same?

The correct term for the confusion of similar speech sounds, such as perceiving /p/ and /b/ as the same, is auditory discrimination. This concept refers to the ability to distinguish between different sounds in spoken language, which is crucial for effective communication and literacy development.

Auditory discrimination is essential for young children as they learn to identify and process speech sounds. When a child has strong auditory discrimination skills, they can easily differentiate between similar sounds, enabling them to develop accurate speech and phonetic skills. Difficulty in this area may impact language development and could lead to challenges in reading and writing later in life, as the child may struggle to recognize the subtle differences between sounds that can change the meaning of words.

While speech perception and phonemic awareness are related concepts, they do not specifically capture the idea of confusing similar sounds. Speech perception encompasses a broader understanding of the sounds of language in context. Phonemic awareness refers to the recognition and manipulation of phonemes in spoken words, which is further advanced than just distinguishing between sounds. Learning disruption indicates a broader impact on a child's learning process due to various factors and does not specifically relate to sound confusion.