Help for Children with Lisps

by Jacky G. Pronunciation & Lisps Speech Disorders
Child Covering Her Mouth

Image source: theparentszone.com

If your child is diagnosed with a lisp, it means that he has trouble pronouncing “s” and “z” sounds. There are four types of lisps:

  • A palatal lisp means that when your child tries to make an “s” or a “z” sound, his tongue contacts the soft palate.
  • A lateral lisp means that air travels out of either side of the tongue. Children with a lateral lisp produce “s” and “z” sounds that sound “slushy.”
  • A dentalized lisp means that your child’s tongue makes contact with his teeth while producing the “s” and “z” sounds.
  • An interdental lisp, sometimes called a frontal lisp, means that the tongue pushes forward through the teeth, creating a “th” sound instead of an “s” or “z” sound.

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Language Development in Babies

by Jacky G. Language Development
Sleeping Newborn

Image source: bossip.com

As you watch your newborn grow, you will undoubtedly make a note of every milestone of development. While every child develops at a different rate, your baby may lift his head up when he is a month old, roll over at six months, and begin teething at four to seven months. Likewise, language and speech development is a gradual process. Don’t worry if your baby is a little off the typical development schedule.

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Does Your Child Need Speech Therapy?

by Jacky G. Speech Disorders
Children Playing Telephone

Image source: buzzle.com

Every child develops speech at his or her own pace. If you think your child might have a communication problem, you should consider seeking professional help sooner rather than later. While there is no “set age” at which these problems arise, early detection and intervention is the most beneficial for the child.

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Art Activities in Speech-Language Therapy

by Jacky G. Speech Therapy Techniques
Child Holding Up Painting

Image source: childminderwidnes.co.uk

There are two main styles of speech therapy: directive and naturalistic. A directive approach is more structured. The speech therapist might hold up an object, name it, and prompt the child to repeat the word. In contrast, the naturalistic approach may simply look like play. It’s less structured, and it often involves arts and crafts activities. Finding ways to fit art activities in Speech-Language Therapy is a rewarding exercise, and certainly worth considering.

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Easy Speech Therapy Tips for Children

by Jacky G. Speech Therapy Techniques
Mother Reading to Child

Image source: sciencedaily.com

Not every child with a speech disorder or delay requires years of intensive therapy. Some communication problems are minor. With a little persistence, you can work on issues like proper pronunciation with your child between therapy sessions. Always ask your child’s speech therapist about activities that would be most effective for your child. It can also be helpful to observe the speech therapy sessions so that you can understand the techniques being used.

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