Early Interventions for Lisp Speech Disorders in Children
A lisp is a speech disorder where certain sounds, particularly the “s” and “z” sounds, are mispronounced. This often results in it sounding like the “th” sound, for example saying “thoo” instead of “zoo” or “thun” instead of “sun”. A lisp affects speech clarity and can result in communication challenges. These challenges may lead to struggles with social interactions and academic success. Early intervention and working with a speech therapist is key. You can learn more about speech therapy for lisps by scheduling your free introductory call today!
How Early Can You Detect a Lisp?
Most children begin to develop speech skills between the ages of 1 and 3. By the age of 3, children may still make some speech errors but typically start to pronounce most sounds correctly. Because of this, a lisp may be detected as early as age 3, especially if the child is consistently substituting sounds or misarticulating “s” and “z” sounds.
It is important to note that young children can experience speech errors regularly as part of normal language development. As a child approaches 5 years of age, it becomes more evident whether or not the speech errors are age-appropriate or if the child may indeed have a speech disorder, such as a lisp.
At Great Speech, we are the experts in online speech therapy. We work with people of all ages from toddlers to seniors. If you are concerned about your child’s speech, reach out to us to schedule a free call. One of our speech experts will meet with you and your child to determine if the lisping is age-appropriate or if a treatment plan is needed.
Different Types of Lisps in Children
There are multiple different types of lisps. Each one affects speech in a distinct way. Understanding the different types of lisps helps in diagnosing and coming up with a helpful treatment plan. The most common types of lisps that affect children are:
Interdental Lisp – Interdental lisp is caused by the tongue pushing forward between the front teeth and is the most common type of lisp. In the case of an interdental lisp, the s or z sound is pronounced like “th”.
Dentalized Lisp – This type of lisp causes the child to have a muffled s or z sound. It occurs when the tongue pushes against the front teeth.
Lateral Lisp – A lateral lisp occurs when air exits the mouth out of the sides. This results in slushy or wet-sounding speech as the spoken sound mixes with the sound of air and saliva. This type of lisp is most famously depicted by cartoon characters such as Sylvester the Cat and Daffy Duck.
Palatal Lisp – A Palatal lisp occurs when the center of the tongue is in contact with the roof of the mouth, or the soft palate when attempting to produce the s sound. This type of lisp is less common than the others.
How to Help a Child Stop Lisping?
There are multiple ways to help a child struggling with a lisp. Early intervention can make a significant difference in correcting the disorder. The key to successfully treating speech disorders such as a lisp is patience, consistency, and targeted techniques.
The most effective method for addressing a lisp is speech therapy. A speech therapist works with the child to teach them how to correctly produce the “s” and “z” sounds. Speech therapy also often includes a combination of exercises to improve tongue placement. Teaching a child where to place their tongue during speech is key. For example, a child with an interdental lisp needs to learn to place the tip of their tongue just behind their upper teeth, rather than between their teeth. Exercises that focus on correct tongue placement will help train the child’s mouth muscles to produce sounds more clearly.
Consistent practice is crucial in helping children overcome a lisp. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) will often incorporate repetitive exercises into therapy sessions. Parents can then assist by encouraging the child to practice these exercises at home. Parental involvement is essential for ensuring progress. Parents can encourage their children to practice at home by modeling correct speech and providing positive reinforcement.
Can You Fix a Lisp with Speech Therapy?
Speech therapy is one of the most effective methods for fixing a lisp. A skilled speech-language pathologist (SLP) will tailor the therapy to each child’s specific needs. The goal of speech therapy is to correct faulty speech patterns by guiding the child to produce speech sounds accurately. With time, patience, and proper guidance, children can overcome their lisp and develop clear and articulate speech patterns.
The duration of speech therapy required varies and the process may take some time if the lisp has been untreated for several years. However, with consistent therapy, practice, and support from parents, most children can successfully overcome the lisping. The earlier a child starts speech therapy, the more successful the outcome.
A lisp is a common speech disorder in children that can be diagnosed as early as 3 years of age, however, it is not uncommon for an adult to suddenly develop a lisp either. Regardless of age, with early intervention and appropriate treatment, it can be corrected. Speech therapy offers the best chance of success. By focusing on correct tongue placement, speech exercises, and parental involvement, children can improve their speech clarity and communication skills, leading to greater confidence and success in their academic and social lives. If your child may be struggling with a lisp, don’t hesitate. Schedule your free introductory call today!