Speech sounds
Speech sounds
Support for clearer speech, so your child can be understood.
What it is
Speech sounds are the building blocks of spoken words. Children learn them in a fairly predictable order, and most sounds are in place by the early school years. Some children take longer, or learn sounds in a different pattern.
Speech sound differences can be articulation (difficulty making a particular sound, such as a lisp) or phonological (patterns, such as leaving the ends off words or saying 't' for 'k'). Some children also have childhood apraxia of speech, which affects planning the movements for speech.
A speech pathologist works out which sounds are affected and why. Some patterns are part of typical development and others benefit from therapy. We explain the difference clearly, so you know whether to act now or simply keep an eye on things.
Signs to look for
Hard to understand
Family, teachers or friends often ask your child to repeat words.
Sounds left out or swapped
Sounds are missed, or one sound is used in place of another, such as 'tar' for 'car'.
A lisp
The 's' and 'z' sounds are made with the tongue between the teeth or sound 'slushy'.
Frustration when talking
Your child gets upset, gives up or avoids talking because they are not understood.
What to expect by age
A general guide only. Every child develops at their own pace, so please talk to us if you have any concerns.
By 2 years
Familiar adults understand about half of what your child says.
By 3 years
Familiar adults understand most of what your child says.
By 4 years
Most people, including strangers, understand your child most of the time.
By 5 to 7 years
Later sounds such as 'r', 'th' and blends like 'str' are usually settling in.
How we can help
Assessment
We listen carefully to how your child uses speech sounds and identify the pattern.
A clear plan
We agree on goals together and explain what therapy will involve and how long it may take.
Play-based therapy
We practise sounds in words, sentences and conversation through games your child enjoys.
Practice at home
Short, practical activities to fit into everyday routines between sessions.
Ideas to try at home
- Repeat back what your child said with the correct sounds, without asking them to say it again.
- Get down to your child's level so they can see your mouth when you talk.
- Read rhyming books and play sound games, such as 'I spy'.
Common questions from parents
Will my child grow out of it?
Some sound errors are a normal part of development and resolve on their own. Others are less likely to. An assessment tells you which is which, so you are not left guessing.
Can you help with a lisp?
Yes. We assess the type of lisp and use step-by-step therapy to teach a new way of making the sound.
How long does speech sound therapy take?
It varies with the type of difficulty, how often therapy happens and practice at home. We will give you an honest guide after the assessment and review progress regularly.
Not sure whether this is the right service? Contact us and we will talk it through, or read our frequently asked questions and fees and funding.