When we produce speech, we use our mouth, tongue, lips and other facial muscles to create the sounds that make up words. This activity is called articulation. Phonology is the study of the sound system of a language. In order to produce speech that is clear and understood by others, we need to use the correct phonology for our language. 

Speech production is important for communication. It allows us to share our thoughts and feelings with others. When a child has difficulty producing speech, it can impact their ability to communicate with others and can lead to social isolation. 

Common Types of Speech Production Difficulties 

There are a few different types of speech production difficulties that your child may experience. The first is dysarthria, which is a difficulty in using the muscles of the mouth, lips, tongue and jaw to produce speech. This can be caused by weak muscles, problems with movement, or damage to the nervous system. 

Another common type of speech production difficulty is articulation and phonological process disorder. This means that your child has trouble pronouncing certain sounds or words correctly. Phonological process disorder is when your child has difficulty with the sound structure of words, while articulation disorder is when they have trouble making the individual sounds that make up words. 

The last common type of speech production difficulty is stuttering. This is when your child has trouble speaking fluently and smoothly. They may repeat words, hesitate or stop speaking altogether. 

Physical, Emotional and Cognitive Components of Speech Production 

There are three primary physical, emotional, and cognitive components of speech production: 

1. The oral mechanism involves the movement of the lips, tongue, and jaw. This is what we use to form speech sounds. 
2. Articulation therapy involves having the therapist model correct sounds and syllables in words and sentences. This helps children learn how to produce the correct sounds correctly. 
3. Speech sound disorders refer to a range of difficulties producing speech sounds in children. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as physical problems, emotional stress, or cognitive delays. 

Signs and Symptoms of Speech-Sound Disorders in Children in Australia 

Speech-sound disorder signs in children can vary greatly, depending on the child’s age and language development. Common signs include difficulty with producing sounds, such as omitting, substituting, adding or distorting sounds; difficulty with sequence and tempo of speech; or difficulty combining sounds into words. You may notice that your child’s speech is less intelligible than other children their age, or that they are having trouble following simple directions or engaging in conversation. 

In Australia, pre-school and lower primary school children are particularly at risk for developing speech-sound disorders. If you notice any of the above signs in your child, it’s a good idea to speak to a GP about potential treatment options for articulation and phonological disorder. Early intervention is key for helping your child develop the communication skills necessary for success in school and life. 

Therapeutic Strategies and Treatments for Children With Speech-Sound Disorders 

If your child is having difficulty producing speech and sound, one of the best things you can do is seek out an experienced Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). They will work with you and your child to develop an individual therapy plan that best meets their needs. 

An SLP can help a child learn to correctly produce speech sounds through various strategies, such as shaping and repetition. For example, they may repeat words back as they should sound or provide modelled examples for the child to imitate. Additionally, an SLP may use visual support like picture cards or flashcards to reinforce proper sounds. With the right treatment plan and consistent repetition, most communication difficulties can be overcome. 

Allowing your child to participate in interactive activities like singing, rhyming, and word games are also great ways to encourage learning new sounds. It’s important for them to have successful communication experiences so that they can feel confident in their speaking abilities. With patience, practise and the right help from an expert SLP, it’s possible for any child with speech-sound disorders to reach their full communication potential. 

Tips on How to Support Your Child’s Speech Development with Institutions like Spring Forward Family Centre 

If your child has difficulty producing speech and sound, there are many ways you can support their development. At Spring Forward Family Centre, we offer a range of tips and resources to help you better understand your child’s unique needs. 

First and foremost, acknowledge, encourage and praise all attempts to speak by your child. Read books together to help them develop language skills with visuals. Show them your interest in what they are speaking about by staying with the topic and listening carefully. Also, use simple language as it is easier to follow then complex phrases or words they may not understand. 

Finally, provide emotional support during the process; this will benefit your child by providing a sense of reassurance that someone is on the same page and has the same goals in mind in terms of speech development. With these tips, you can feel confident that you are doing everything possible to help your child make progress and gain independence. 

Conclusion 

So, if you’re seeing problems with speech and sound in your child, it’s best to get them seen by a therapist as soon as possible. The sooner they’re able to start working on the issue, the sooner they’ll start seeing results. Remember, it’s not a personal failing on your child’s part, and they can still achieve their goals and be happy and successful! 

The post An Overview of Common Difficulties in Producing Speech and Sound in Children first appeared on Spring Forward Family Centre.