Articulation - the production of speech sounds
Articulation disorders can affect early or late developing sounds. In severe cases, an articulation disorder can impact not only speech clarity (intelligibility) but expressive and social language development as well. Even mild articulation disorders can increase self-consciousness and frustration, resulting in behavioral problems and/or reduced participation in academic and social settings.
Articulation disorders do not all share a common cause or course. Some are developmental in nature, and often impact entire classes of sounds (e.g. a phonological disorder such as fronting of consonants: /t/ for /k/ and /d/ for /g/). Others are rooted in physiological problems affecting structure, such as cleft palate, or motor planning, such as apraxia of speech.
An immature swallowing pattern can impact articulation, usually in the form of a lisp, as well as dentition. This is one reason why orthodontists commonly refer patients to a speech therapist who is trained to correct a reverse (tongue thrust) swallow.
If you suspect that you or your child has an articulation disorder, Speech and Language Therapy can help. Starting with either a screening or full assessment, as the situation warrants, a certified speech-language pathologist can identify errors in articulation, as well as possible causes and treatment options.
Clarity Speech and Language Therapy, LLC offers in-home therapy to address each client's needs with care and precision.
