As a parent, it can be overwhelming to look up speech sound disorders and try to determine what applies to your child. Over the next few weeks, we will be discussing a variety of common speech sound disorders that are seen in our practice. The first one we’ll be discussing is a articulation disorder.
What is an Articulation Disorder?
An articulation disorder happens when a child has difficulty making certain sounds in speech. This can affect how clear and easy it is for others to understand what they are saying. They have consistent trouble with producing specific sounds needed for speech. They struggle with physically producing the sound correctly. A lisp falls under this category of speech sound disorders.
Signs to Look Out For:
1. Substituting Sounds: Your child might replace one sound with another
2. Distorting Sounds: They may make a sound that doesn’t quite match the correct sound, making it hard to understand.
3. Omitting Words: Sometimes, children may avoid saying words that they know will be challenging or sound incorrect.
What Can Parents Do?
If you notice persistent difficulties in your child’s speech clarity, contact a speech-language pathologist (SLP). The SLP will complete a comprehensive speech evaluation to determine if your child has an articulation disorder or another type of speech sound disorder and if therapy would be recommended. Our office specializes in the treatment of speech sound disorders. You can schedule your free consultation to discuss your concerns and learn more about our evaluation process by contacting us through our form: https://www.mittenspeechtherapy.com/free-consultation/
Articulation disorders can be challenging, but with early recognition and support, many children make significant progress. As a parent, your role in observing and supporting your child’s speech development is crucial. By seeking help and practicing together, you can help your child communicate more effectively and build their confidence in expressing themselves.