What If My Child Has Trouble with Articulation?

Articulation is defined as “the ability to physically move the tongue, lips, teeth, and jaw to produce sequences of speech sounds, which make up words and sentences.”¹ Articulation is an integral part of speech as it allows us to create clear, understandable sounds that form words, which then make up speech. It will enable us to communicate.

Signs of Articulation Problems

If your child has trouble with articulation, you may notice signs such as:

·      Is difficult to understand.

·      Has trouble with specific sounds or linking sounds together.

·      Leaves off sounds from words.

·      Adds sounds to words.

·      Distorts sounds, such as pronouncing “s” like “th.”

·      Becomes frustrated when trying to communicate with others.

Causes of Articulation Problems

Many things can cause your child to struggle with articulation. It could be caused by developmental delays, hearing impairments, physical problems (low muscle tone or cleft palate), neurological issues, disorders such as childhood apraxia of speech, and more. Many components need to come together for proper speech, and often the cause of an articulation disorder is unknown. However, depending on the severity of the problem, adequate intervention can significantly improve your child’s articulation.

What Should I do if my child has trouble with articulation?

The most important thing to do if your child struggles with articulation is to see a specialist. If you are unsure, talk to your pediatrician, and if they see fit, they will give a referral for a speech therapy evaluation. A Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) can evaluate your child’s condition, identify what conditions contribute to your child’s trouble with articulation, and rule out those that are not. They will then be able to create the proper intervention that addresses your child’s speech difficulties.

• In-Text Citation

  1. Articulation (Pronunciation and Talking), Kid Sense, accessed 22 November 2022, https://childdevelopment.com.au/areas-of-concern/talking/articulation-pronunciation-and-talking/

• Sources

  “Articulation Disorder,” Cleveland Clinic, accessed 22 November 2022, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23454-articulation-disorder

  Articulation (Pronunciation and Talking), Kid Sense, accessed 22 November 2022, https://childdevelopment.com.au/areas-of-concern/talking/articulation-pronunciation-and-talking/