Articulation Support
What is ‘articulation’?
“Articulation and phonology refer to the way sound is produced. A child with an articulation disorder has problems forming speech sounds properly. A child with a phonological disorder can produce the sounds correctly, but may use them in the wrong place.”
Articulation Difficulties
Articulation difficulties or delays in children above 3 years of age can impact their ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Articulation refers to the production of speech sounds, and when a child experiences challenges with articulation, it can affect their intelligibility and confidence in speaking.
By the age of 4, children are expected to have developed a wide range of speech sounds, and any persistent errors or inconsistencies in their speech may indicate an articulation disorder. Common articulation difficulties include substituting one sound for another (e.g., saying "wabbit" instead of "rabbit"), omitting certain sounds in words, or distorting speech sounds.
Articulation delays can arise due to various factors, including developmental delays, hearing impairments, oral-motor difficulties, or lack of exposure to clear speech models. Early identification and intervention are crucial to support children in overcoming articulation challenges and developing age-appropriate speech skills.
Some indications that your child could benefit from speech pathology for articulation difficulties:
Speech sound errors
Persistent difficulty producing certain sounds beyond the expected age range.
Reduced intelligibility
Unfamiliar listeners having difficulty understanding your child’s speech due to unclear pronunciation or frequent speech errors.
Frustration or avoidance
Children may show frustration or avoidance of speaking situations due to challenges with articulation.
If parents notice these signs or have concerns about their child’s speech clarity, it’s important to seek guidance from a speech pathologist for an assessment.
Early intervention is key in addressing articulation difficulties, as it can prevent potential impact on academic, social, and emotional development. Parents are encouraged to trust their instincts and seek professional guidance if they suspect their child may benefit from speech therapy.
Articulation Assessment and Intervention at Ready Steady Speech
At Ready Steady Speech, Madi offers articulation assessment and intervention for children over 3.5 years
Children over 3.5 years
Articulation Intervention using a variety of intervention techniques and strategies.
Ready Steady Speech offers articulation screening assessments and intervention services for children above 3.5 years of age experiencing articulation difficulties. During the assessment phase, Madi will evaluate the child’s speech sound system and oro-motor skills. This includes identifying specific error patterns and determining the underlying causes of articulation difficulties. Screening assessments, informal speech samples, and observation is used to formulate a detailed profile of the child’s articulation abilities.
Ready Steady Speech utlises evidence-based intervention approaches tailored to each child’s articulation needs. Traditional articulation techniques are use to focus on correct sound production through auditory discrimination, articulatory placement, and drill-based practice. The minimal pairs approach is also commonly used by presenting word pairs that differ by one sound, to help children discriminate between similar sounds and produce target sounds accurately. For example, ‘white’ vs. ‘light’, and ‘key’ vs ‘tea’. Additionally, auditory bombardment techniques expose children to correct sound productions repeatedly to enhance auditory processing skills. Madi uses modelling and gestures to visually demonstrate correct sound production and facilitate imitation.
Parental involvement in the intervention process is crucial. Parents are encouraged to participate in therapy sessions, observe techniques used by therapists, and learn strategies to support their child's progress at home. Home practice activities are provided to reinforce newly acquired skills and promote the generalisation of correct sound productions in everyday communication settings.
Please note that Ready Steady Speech supports children with articulation delays, phonological impairments and disorders only, and does not offer services for motor speech disorders, including Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS).
