Speech acquisition depends on coordinated jaw–lip–tongue control that matures hierarchically. In a recently completed study of 48 preschoolers with moderate–severe speech sound disorders, Mutual Information Analysis and Random Forest models identified links between phonological patterns (e.g., final consonant deletion, stopping, gliding, atypical errors) and limitations in jaw, labial-facial, and lingual control. We revisit IPA-based, auditory-perceptual diagnosis and current classification systems for overlooking subtle motor deficits (e.g., jaw sliding, covert contrasts). We advocate instrument-informed, dimensional classification aligned with precision-medicine principles to improve identification of motor contributions and guide targeted assessment/intervention in pediatric speech sound disorders.