Speech sound difficulties

Speech sound difficulties occur when children have trouble making the sounds needed for clear speech. These difficulties can include problems with controlling their voices, producing specific sounds, or speaking clearly. Children might also experience issues like stuttering or lisping. As a result, it can be hard for others to understand what they are trying to say.

Speech sound difficulties are different from language disorders, which involve problems with understanding and using language. Children with speech sound difficulties do not have trouble understanding language; their challenges are specifically with making sounds.

What is typical?

Speech sound development is a gradual process that happens as children grow. Most children start to make sounds and speak words as they reach certain ages. Here are some typical milestones for speech sound development:

• By age 1: Babies usually start to babble and say simple words like “mama” or “dada.”
• By age 2: Children begin to use two-word phrases and can say about 50 words.
• By age 3: Most children can say words more clearly and form simple sentences.
• By age 4: Children can usually be understood by people outside their family, and they use longer sentences. This means that they start to pronounce words in a way that people outside of their family would be able to understand.
• By age 5: Children can say most sounds correctly and use complex sentences.
• By age 6-7: Children refine their speech sounds and can tell stories with clear speech.
• By age 8-9: Children can use all speech sounds correctly in conversation.

Understanding these milestones can help caregivers know what to expect as their child learns to speak.

When should I be concerned?

While it’s normal for young children to have unclear speech, there are signs that might indicate speech sound difficulties. If a child’s speech does not improve as they grow, it could be a concern.
Some signs include trouble moving the jaw, tongue, and lips, difficulty making specific sounds, and not speaking as clearly as other children their age. Children might also change their pitch or volume suddenly, have a rough-sounding or nasal voice, or run out of air while speaking. Lisping, stuttering, or having trouble with facial muscle tasks like chewing can also be signs. If these difficulties persist, it may be time to seek help.

What can I do to help?

As a caregiver, you can play an important role in supporting a child with speech sound difficulties. Here are some things you can try:

1. Talk with your child regularly. Engage in conversations to encourage speech practice. Ask open-ended questions to prompt longer responses.
2. Read bedtime stories out loud together. Choose books with repetitive phrases and sounds. Encourage your child to repeat after you.
3. Repeat words and emphasize correct sounds. When your child mispronounces a word, gently repeat it correctly and encourage them to try again.
4. Play sound games. Use games that focus on listening and repeating sounds, like rhyming games or tongue twisters.
5. Create a supportive environment. Encourage your child to speak without fear of making mistakes. Praise their efforts and progress.
6. Limit background noise. Ensure a quiet environment during conversations to help your child focus on speech sounds.
7. Model clear speech. Speak slowly and clearly yourself to provide a good example for your child to follow.

These strategies can help your child improve their speech in a supportive and fun way.

What kind of professional support can I seek out?

If your child’s speech sound difficulties last more than a few weeks, ask for an evaluation from a professional or get help from your child’s school. Getting help early is better for your child’s speech and self-esteem.

There are several types of professionals in schools that may be able to help, including speech-language pathologists and special education teachers. These professionals, especially those who have experience with learners who learn differently, can provide effective support.

Public services are also available at your local clinic.

When looking for affordable services, it may also be helpful to explore local non-governmental organisations which offer services to families.

Local universities may offer services to the public as part of professional training programmes.

Please don’t give up if you don’t have success in your first attempts at getting help. Go back to the services listed above and look at our online list for additional resources or support. Your child is worth the effort.

Where to find more information

For detailed information on mental health conditions, visit our guides for health professionals.