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Children who have difficulty speaking clearly and using the sounds expected for their age may present with a Speech Sound Disorder (SSD)—the technical term used to describe a variety of articulation difficulties. Your child may struggle with one or two specific sounds (e.g., they may have a 'slushy' S) or with many different sounds (e.g., they may say 'tea' instead of 'key,' 'wain' instead of 'rain,' and 'sue' instead of 'shoe'). Sometimes, your child may be able to produce a sound when asked but has difficulty using that sound consistently in conversation (e.g., your child may be able to make an 's' sound but repeatedly says 'top' instead of 'stop' and 'cool' instead of 'school'). These challenges can make it hard for others to understand what your child is trying to say and can be frustrating for both you and your child. Fortunately, with the right support and practice, many children can improve their speech and learn to say words correctly.
What causes Speech Sound Disorders?
Speech Sound Disorders may be associated with hearing difficulties or a genetic condition, but most of the time, the cause is unknown. Contrary to popular belief, tongue-ties do not cause articulation difficulties for the vast majority of people. Articulation difficulties are more often related to how the brain processes speech sounds or how the child moves their tongue, lips, and mouth together, rather than the physical presence of a tongue tie.
When should I get help for my child?
For younger children, a general rule of thumb is that parents should understand most of what their child says by age 3, and other adults should understand by age 4. An evaluation is recommended if:
For older children, nearly all of the consonant sounds in English should be acquired by age 5 (Crowe & McLeod, 2020). If your school-age child continues to have difficulty speaking clearly or using sounds other than "TH," an evaluation is recommended.
Latitude offers evaluations, consultations, and direct services in English, Russian, and Spanish.
Early childhood is a critical time in your child's development. Let's create a strong foundation together to help your child excel!
With our innovative and evidenced-based methods, we strive to provide you with the highest quality personalized care that you deserve. We offer a combination of flexible options to fit your family’s busy schedule.
The perfect mix for geographically distant clients who prefer online services and benefit from in-person check-ins.
A hybrid approach is recommended for clients who generally do well with online therapy but need periodic hands-on guidance for articulatory placement.
