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Speech Sound Disorders 

Articulation

Most children make some mistakes as they learn to say new words. A speech sound disorder occurs when mistakes continue past a certain age. Every sound has a different range of ages when the child should make the sound correctly (see charts below). Speech sound disordersinclude problems with articulation (making sounds) and phonological processes (sound patterns).

An articulation disorder involves problems making sounds. Sounds can be substituted, left off, added or changed. These errors may make it hard for people to understand you.

A phonological process disorder involves patterns of sound errors. For example, substituting all sounds made in the back of the mouth like "k" and "g" for those in the front of the mouth like "t" and "d" (e.g., saying "tup" for "cup" or "das" for "gas").

 

Signs of a Speech Sound Disorder

  • -Says p, b, m, h, and w incorrectly in words (1–2 years)

  • -Says k, g, f, t, d, and n incorrectly in words (2–3 years)

  • -Produces speech that is unclear, even to familiar people (2–3 years)

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Ways to Help With Speech Sound Disorders

  • -Say the sounds correctly when you talk—it's okay if your child makes some mistakes with sounds

  • -Don't correct speech sounds—it's more important to let your child keep talking

                                                        Language
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Red Flags

 

Every child develops differently; however, there are some red flags that may indicate your child should be evaluated by a speech-language pathologist.

Under 18 months

  • No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by 6 months

  • No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by 9 months or thereafter

  • No babbling by 12 months

  • Does not respond to his/her name by 12 months

  • No sharing/reciprocal interactions like pointing, sharing, reaching or waving by 12 months

  • No pointing at objects of interest by 14 months (pointing at a car driving by)

  • Does not understand simple common words like mama or milk

  • Is not using any words by 16 months

By 18 Months

  • Does not use at least 8-10 meaningful words

  • Does not follow simple commands like “come here” “stop” “don’t” “give me the __________” or “touch your nose”

  • Does not follow your pointing with his gaze

  • Is not playing “pretend” with items (talking on toy phone, feeding a doll)

  • Does not play in proximity to other children

By Age Two

  • No two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or repeating) by 24 months

  • Does not follow simple two step commands such as “Get the ball and put it on the table”

  • Speech is not at least 50% understandable

  • Cannot point to pictures of items in books when asked

By Three Years

  • Is not using three and four word sentences

  • Speech is not at least 75% or more understandable

  • Child is leaving the beginnings or ends off of most words

  • Cannot accurately answer yes/no questions

  • Cannot answer simple “wh” questions like “who is that” or “where is the truck”

  • Does not play with other children

Overall Warning Signs

  • ANY loss of speech or babbling or social skills at ANY age

  • Never gestures or imitates

  • Does not appear to understand speech, or appears to be unable to hear

  • Never develops words beyond repeating others over and over

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