Articulation and Lisp
Articulation and Lisp
Pronunciation difficulties in children can be quite common and are part of the normal development process. However, when these difficulties persist beyond a certain age, they indicate a speech sound disorder.
Common Types of speech sound disorders can include
Articulation Disorders: These involve problems with physically producing sounds. Children might substitute, omit, add, or distort sounds. For example, saying “wabbit” instead of “rabbit”.
Phonological Disorders: These occur when children have trouble understanding and implementing the sound system and rules of their language. They might use patterns of sound errors, such as replacing all sounds made in the back of the mouth (like “k” and “g”) with sounds made in the front of the mouth (like “t” and “d”).
Motor-Speech Disorders: Read more here.
Speech sound disorders can be influenced by various factors, including:
- Developmental Delays: Some children take longer to develop the necessary motor skills for clear speech.
- Hearing Loss: Frequent ear infections or other hearing issues can affect a child’s ability to hear and reproduce sounds correctly.
- Physical Impairments: Issues like a cleft palate or lip can interfere with the ability to produce certain sounds.
- Neurological: Conditions like cerebral palsy can impact the muscles used for speech.
Signs to Watch For
- Substituting Sounds: Using one sound for another, like “tat” for “cat”.
- Omitting Sounds: Leaving out sounds, such as saying “coo” instead of “school”.
- Distorting Sounds: Producing sounds in an unusual way, like a lisp.
- Adding Sounds: Inserting extra sounds into words, like “puhlay” instead of “play”.
Treatment
Regular speech therapy is the most effective treatment for pronunciation difficulties. We can work with your child to improve their articulation and phonological skills through evidence-based therapy approaches and techniques. Early intervention is key to successful outcomes.
Funding
At Kids and Cubs Clinic we accept the following funding options:
NDIS
- Self-managed funding
- Plan-managed funding
Private Health Insurance
- Please consult your private health provider to determine eligibility and rebate amounts.
Medicare
- Chronic Disease Management plan (previously known as Enhanced Primary Care plan)
- Please discuss Medicare funding options with your GP
