A phonological disorder is a type of speech sound disorder where a child has difficulty understanding and using the sound system of their language. This can lead to problems with pronouncing words correctly, making it hard for others to understand them. Children with this disorder may substitute, omit, or distort sounds in words. These difficulties can affect a child's ability to communicate effectively and may impact their social interactions and academic performance. Early identification and intervention by a speech-language pathologist can help improve their speech and language skills, allowing for better communication and confidence in social settings.