If you google articulation, there is a wealth of information at your fingertips. The problem, which data can you trust? Which list of developmental norms is the correct one? There are charts and blogs and articles that are all contradictory. IT is overwhelming, at best. As speech pathologists, we also see many confusing documents. This blog is meant to help parents have a quick, concise explanation based on research based articles and data from the national board for SLPs, ASHA (American Speech-Language Hearing Association).
Here are some important facts:
What is an articulation disorder???
- An articulation disorder is defined as a speech disorder involving difficulties articulating specific types of sound
Sound developmental milestones-it is important to remember that children can master these sounds early in age and many sounds have a time range of mastery
- Age 2: /h, p, n, d, b, w, m/
- Age 3: /t, f, y, ng, k, g/
- Age 4: /ch, l, v, dz, s, z, sh/
- Age 5: /zh, r, th (“the”)/
- Age 6: /th (“thumb”)/
If your child is not yet making these sounds, here are a few tips:
How can you help improve your child’s articulation at home?
- Play: engage in play where you model and use lots of different sounds while playing (Example: “ch ch ch ch” as a train passes by, animal sounds, etc)
- Talk to your child throughout the dat to model correct production of sounds
- Reduce background noise when engaging with your child so there is less distraction
- Look at your child while you are speaking to them so they can see your model of words/sounds
- Read to your child
- Repeat your child’s sentence if it is not clear. By repeating what your child has said you are producing a good language model and you are showing that you have listened to what the child is saying
What are activities to do at home to help improve articulation?
- Naming items together
- Copying facial expressions in the mirror
- Playing something together and modeling words they are having difficulties with
- Modeling and using different sounds during interactions (“s” for a snake sound, “shhh” the baby is sleeping)
- Listening to and identifying sounds in words (“sh” is the sound shoe starts with)
- Correcting if the child says a word incorrectly and having them repeat correct production back to you
Finally, If you have additional concerns or want more information, reach out to your pediatrician. They will be able to listen to your child and determine if a referral to a Speech-Language Pathologist is appropriate. Early intervention is research based and helpful to many children who are not reaching the expected developmental milestones. If you have concerns, trust your instinct and talk to your doctor. NWA has many wonderful therapists that would love to help your child reach their highest potential.
Happy Articulating!
Miss Bailey and Mrs. Vanessa
