Articulation and Phonology

Speech involves movement and coordination of the mouth, jaw, lips, and tongue to produce sounds and words. For example, pronouncing the "th" sound correctly in words like "teeth" instead of saying “teef”.

There are many types of speech conditions and disorders that may affect your ability to pronounce sounds, words and overall speech clarity. Depending on the cause and type of speech difficulty, it may occur suddenly or develop gradually.

Children

Children develop speech sounds in a predictable order. Most children are able to correctly say majority of their speech sounds by the time they reach 4 years old. A child who has difficulty pronouncing sounds by the expected ages may have a speech sound disorder, making it difficult for others to understand them. You may wish to have your child reviewed by a speech pathologist, to ensure that they are pronouncing sounds correctly for their developmental stage.

Adults

Speech difficulties in adults may involve challenges with verbal communication, such as imprecise articulation or slurring, as well as changes in rhythm or speed of speech.

Individuals with speech sound disorders may also experience language difficulties.

Common symptoms

• Misarticulation or distorting sounds such as ‘s’, ‘k’, ‘t’

• Omitting or adding sounds

• Others unable to understand you/your child

• Reduced intelligibility- changes to rate, volume, intonation and rhythm of speech

• Substituting specific sounds such as ‘sh’ for ‘ch’, or ‘r/l’ for ‘w’

Common conditions

• Cleft palate or Cleft lip

• Developmental disorders e.g. ASD

• Dysarthria

• Genetic conditions e.g. Down syndrome

• Hearing loss

• Stroke

How can we help?

If you are mispronouncing sounds or others are having difficulty understanding the individual, a speech pathologist may be able to assist. Speech therapy can focus on treating the symptoms to improve speech through exercises, activities and practicing the ‘new way’ of making a sound.