Many parents in Edmonton worry about their child’s speech development. If your child struggles to produce certain sounds or their speech is unclear, they might have a speech articulation problem.
This article from Mosaic Speech Therapy, a professional health centre based in Edmonton, will equip you with essential information about speech articulation problems, including common causes, signs to watch out for, and the importance of early intervention.
What are Speech Articulation Problems?
Speech articulation refers to the physical movements of the lips, tongue, jaw, and vocal cords that enable us to produce speech sounds. A speech articulation problem occurs when a child has difficulty coordinating these movements, making their speech unclear or difficult to understand.
There’s a wide range of speech articulation problems, and some children might mispronounce a few sounds, while others might have difficulty with most sounds. Speech articulation problems can affect a child’s ability to communicate effectively and participate in social interactions.
Common Causes of Speech Articulation Problems in Children
Several factors can contribute to speech articulation problems in children. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Oral-motor weakness: The muscles of the lips, tongue, and jaw may be weak or uncoordinated, making it difficult for children to produce specific sounds.
- Hearing impairments: If a child has difficulty hearing speech sounds clearly, they may have trouble learning to produce them correctly.
- Developmental delays: Speech articulation problems can sometimes be associated with developmental delays or conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Signs That Your Child Might Have a Speech Articulation Problem
Here are some signs that might indicate your child has a speech articulation problem:
- Lisping: Persistently substituting “th” sounds with “s” sounds (e.g., saying “thun” instead of “sun”).
- Leaving out sounds: Your child might omit certain sounds altogether, making their speech difficult to understand.
- Difficulty imitating sounds: If your child has trouble imitating new sounds you make, it could be a sign of an articulation problem.
- Struggles to be understood: People unfamiliar with your child might frequently ask them to repeat themselves.
It’s important to note that every child develops speech and language skills at their own pace. However, if you have concerns about your child’s speech development, it’s crucial to seek professional help.
Mosaic Speech Therapy: Your Partner in Edmonton for Speech Articulation Therapy
At Mosaic Speech Therapy, we are a team of experienced and certified SLPs passionate about helping children in Edmonton overcome speech and language challenges. We offer comprehensive speech articulation therapy programs tailored to address your child’s specific needs.
Our therapy approach is fun, engaging, and play-based, ensuring your child feels comfortable and motivated throughout the process.
We collaborate closely with parents and caregivers to provide ongoing support and ensure successful outcomes. For personalized assistance, feel free to contact us at info@mosaic-slp.ca or 587-292-0072.