As a parent, noticing a lisp in your child's speech can be a source of concern and uncertainty.
Understanding lisps, why lisps occur, and the potential impact a lisp may have on your child's communication can be an important first step in gaining some peace of mind and deciding whether or not you may need to seek the support of a Speech and Language Therapist.
This comprehensive guide aims to equip you with the knowledge needed to support your child effectively. From identifying the different types of lisps to exploring various treatment options, we are here to provide you with professional insights and reassurance.
Join us on this journey to empower you as a trusted partner in your child's speech development, and consider booking an online consultation with Saltroad to take the next step.
An Introduction to Lisps in Children
What is a Lisp?
A lisp is a functional speech disorder that affects the production of certain sounds, notably the /s/ and /z/ sounds.
Commonly, it results in these sounds being pronounced like the /th/ sound. This is often due to incorrect positioning of the tongue. For instance, the tongue might protrude between the teeth, resulting in what's known as a frontal or interdental lisp.
While many children may exhibit a lisp when they begin speaking, it's not simply just a phase for all, and some children may still be speaking with a lisp beyond the age at which it should have resolved.
Lisps can vary in type and severity, and may affect a child's clarity. It's important to recognise that a lisp is not indicative of intelligence or capability, but it can sometimes influence how a child is perceived socially. Therefore, understanding and addressing your child’s lisp can be important for their social development and self-esteem.
Types of Lisp
Understanding the different types of lisp can help in identifying the specific speech challenges your child may face and guide the appropriate intervention strategies. While there are several variations, the four primary types of lisps are:
- Interdental Lisp
- Characteristics: The most common type, where sounds like /s/ and /z/ are pronounced as /th/. This occurs because the tongue protrudes between the front teeth during speech.
- Example: "Soup" may sound like "thoup".
- Lateral Lisp
- Characteristics: This type creates a "slushy" or "wet" sound as air escapes over the sides of the tongue, resulting in distorted /s/ and /z/ sounds.
- Example: "Soup" may sound like "shloupp".
- Palatal Lisp
- Characteristics: This form occurs when the middle part of the tongue makes contact with the roof of the mouth during speech, distorting the sound.
- Example: "Soup" could sound like "choup".
- Dentalised Lisp
- Characteristics: This type involves the tongue pushing against the front teeth, altering the sound production slightly, but often not as prominently as other lisps.
- Example: "Soup" might have a subtle alteration in clarity, making it sound just not quite right.
Each type of lisp presents its own set of challenges, affecting speech and intelligibility to varying degrees.
Recognising these differences allows parents and therapists to tailor intervention strategies effectively to address the specific needs of the child. Early identification and intervention can lead to significant improvements in speech clarity and communication.
Common Causes of Lisps
Most often, lisps are developed due to habitual tongue placement errors during speech. For instance, the tongue might habitually push between or against the teeth when making certain sounds. When children make more obvious speech sound errors, adults will often respond by correcting the child or modelling the word back clearly. But lisps are often accepted as typical immature speech sound errors and left unaddressed until the child is much older.
Structural issues, such as dental malocclusions or misaligned teeth, may also play a role. Additionally, prolonged use of pacifiers or bottles can influence tongue positioning, teeth alignment and oral habits.
Identifying a Lisp in Your Child
Identifying a lisp in the first place involves attentive listening and observation of speech patterns. Often, parents are so used to hearing their child’s speech that it is not until someone else points it out that they become aware.
Listen for substitutions of the /s/ or /z/ sounds with a /th/ sound, which might indicate a frontal or interdental lisp. This one is often quite easy to spot, because you will see the child’s tongue sticking out between their front teeth.
Listen for a "slushy" or "wet" sound, characteristic of a lateral lisp, where air escapes over the sides of the tongue.
Palatal and dental lisps are more difficult to identify, but you might just be aware that the /s/ and /z/ sounds are distorted in some way, or just don’t sound clear and correct.
Beyond sound patterns, consider whether the lisp affects your child's communication skills or causes them frustration. Their speech might be unclear at times, particularly if they are rushing their speech in excitement or upset. Understanding these signs can help you determine if your child would benefit from further support from a Speech and Language Therapist. Speech and Language Therapists can provide a more detailed assessment and guide you on the next steps to support your child's speech development.
Impact of Lisps on Development
Speech and Communication Challenges
Children with lisps may face distinct speech and communication challenges that affect their interactions.
The most noticeable issue is reduced speech clarity, which can make it difficult for others to understand them. This can lead to frustration both for the child and their communicative partners.
Additionally, children may become self-conscious about their speech, impacting their confidence and willingness to engage in social situations. In a classroom setting, these challenges might affect participation, as children may be hesitant to speak up or answer questions.
Over time, if not addressed, these issues could potentially influence academic performance and social integration. Understanding these challenges underscores the importance of early intervention.
Working with a Speech and Language Therapist can help children improve their articulation skills, enhance their clarity, and build their confidence, enabling them to communicate more effectively and participate fully in social and educational settings.
Social and Emotional Effects
Having any type of speech sound difficulty can affect a child's social and emotional well-being. Children with lisps may feel different from their peers, which can lead to self-consciousness and a negative impact on their self-esteem.
These feelings might cause them to withdraw from social interactions or become less willing to participate in group activities, fearing ridicule or being misunderstood.
Over time, this can impact their ability to form friendships and integrate socially. Additionally, frustration from repeated communication breakdowns can lead to emotional distress, affecting mood and behaviour.
These feelings can also extend beyond the child, influencing family dynamics as parents may worry about their child's social experiences and future. Supporting a child with a lisp involves addressing these emotional challenges alongside speech therapy. Building a supportive environment at home and school, where the child feels accepted and encouraged, is crucial.
Early intervention can help mitigate these effects, fostering resilience and confidence in communicating.
Seeking Professional Help
When to Consult a Speech Therapist
It is advisable to seek professional help if your child is over the age of four and the lisp persists. This is because many children naturally outgrow lisps as their speech develops.
However, if the lisp affects your child's ability to be understood by others or is causing distress, you may wish to seek support before this. Consulting a Speech and Language Therapist is particularly important if the lisp is impacting your child's social interactions or confidence. A professional assessment can help determine the type of lisp your child has, as well as the most effective treatment strategies.
Early intervention can lead to better outcomes, helping your child improve their articulation and communication skills. Speech Therapists can provide personalised exercises and guidance to support your child's speech development, helping them improve their speech and confidence when communicating.
Choosing the Right Therapy for Your Child
A Speech and Language Therapist will be able to identify the appropriate therapy plan for your child.
Start by consulting a certified Speech and Language Therapist who can assess your child's specific needs. The therapist will evaluate the type and severity of the lisp and develop a tailored treatment plan.
Consider the therapist’s experience and approach—some may specialise in paediatric cases or utilise specific techniques that align with your child's learning style. The setting of the therapy is also important; decide whether in-person sessions or online consultations would be more convenient and comfortable for your child.
Additionally, ensure that the therapy schedule accommodates your child's daily routine to maintain consistency without overwhelming them.
Collaboration between the therapist, parents, and educators can enhance progress, making it essential for you to find a therapist who values open communication. By finding the right fit, you can provide your child with the support they need to improve their speech and confidence.
Supporting Your Child at Home
Effective Communication Strategies
Supporting your child at home with effective communication strategies can significantly enhance their speech sound development.
Begin by modelling clear speech yourself, using an exaggerated but natural-sounding /s/ and /z/ sound during conversations.
Encourage your child to speak slowly and clearly by trying not to rush your own speech, and provide gentle corrections by repeating words back with the correct pronunciation.
Create a positive and patient environment where your child feels comfortable practicing without fear of judgment.
Engage in activities that naturally incorporate speech practice, such as reading aloud together or playing games that focus on sound repetition.
Additionally, reinforce successful attempts to pronounce words correctly with praise, boosting your child's confidence and motivation.
Incorporate visual aids such as mirrors to help your child see the correct tongue placement.
Maintaining open communication with your child's Speech and Language Therapist can also provide insights into specific exercises that can be reinforced at home, ensuring a consistent approach that fosters improvement over time.
Encouraging Speech Practice
Encouraging regular speech practice at home is essential for establishing and generalising any new speech sound.
Integrate speech exercises into daily routines, making practice sessions a natural part of the day. Use engaging activities that your child enjoys, such as storytelling, singing songs with clear /s/ and /z/ sounds, or playing word games that emphasise these sounds.
Set achievable goals to keep your child motivated and celebrate improvements, no matter how small.
Establish a consistent practice schedule that balances structure with flexibility, ensuring that practice does not become a source of stress. Utilize tools such as flashcards or their favourite apps and games to make practice interactive and fun.
Encourage your child to be patient with themselves, reminding them that progress takes time and effort.
Working collaboratively with your child's Speech Therapist can provide additional strategies tailored to your child's unique needs, reinforcing their progress and building confidence in their communication skills.
Next Steps for Concerned Parents
Booking a Consultation with Saltroad
If you're concerned about your child's lisp and want professional guidance, consider booking a parent consultation with Saltroad.
Our online consultations provide an accessible way to connect with certified Speech and Language Therapists from the comfort of your home.
During the consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your child's specific speech challenges, ask questions, and explore potential therapy options tailored to your child's needs.
Saltroad's team of experts are committed to providing personalised support and practical advice to help you make informed decisions about your child's speech development. To schedule a consultation, simply visit our website and select a convenient time that fits your schedule.
Our streamlined booking process ensures that you can easily access the support you need without delay. Taking this step can empower you as a parent, offering reassurance and a clear path forward in addressing your child's speech.
