5 Signs It’s Time to Consult an SLP for Your Child’s Speech Sound Errors
As parents, it’s natural to closely monitor your child’s development, including their speech and language skills. While children may progress at their own pace, there are certain signs that may indicate it’s time to seek the expertise of a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) for your child’s speech sound errors. Here are five key indicators to watch out for:
1. Age-Appropriate Pronunciation Lags:
If your child consistently mispronounces sounds that are typically mastered by their age, it could be a sign of speech sound errors. For example, difficulty with “r” and “th” sounds is common in young children, but they should improve by age 7 (McLeod & Crowe, 2018). If these errors persist beyond expected milestones, it’s time to consult an SLP. Click here for an infographic that shows typical speech sound acquisition by age.
2. Difficulty Being Understood:
If you, family members, teachers, or friends frequently struggle to understand your child’s speech, it’s an indicator that their speech sound errors might be impeding effective communication. An SLP can provide guidance and therapy to improve clarity.
3. Frustration or Avoidance of Speaking:
When children are aware of their speech sound errors and experience frustration or avoidance of speaking due to difficulties being understood, it’s time to consider intervention. Emotional and social aspects of communication are important for a child’s well-being.
4. Stuttering or Speech Disfluencies:
Stuttering or the presence of frequent speech disfluencies, such as repetitions or prolongations of sounds, can be a sign that your child is experiencing speech difficulties. Consulting an SLP can help address these concerns and improve fluency.
5. Speech Sound Errors Affect Academics:
If your child’s speech sound errors are interfering with their academic performance, such as reading, writing, or oral presentations, it’s a sign that seeking professional help from an SLP is crucial. Clear communication is essential for success in the classroom.
In summary, if you notice any of these signs in your child’s speech sound development, it’s advisable to consult a Speech-Language Pathologist. Early intervention can play a vital role in helping your child overcome speech sound errors and improve their communication skills. Remember that every child develops at their own pace, and an SLP can provide individualized guidance and support for your child’s unique needs.
Individual speech sound intervention can be accessed through Alberta Health Services by calling the Central Intake line at 780-735-3489 or through privately contracted speech-language pathologists such as those listed on the ASAPP website www.asapp.ca
Warm Regards,
Miranda Lane, MSc.SLP, MBA, R.SLP, SLP(C)
Reference
McLeod, S. & Crowe, K. (2018). Children’s consonant acquisition in 27 languages: A cross-linguistic review. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 27, 1546-1571. https://doi.org/10.1044/2018_AJSLP-17-0100
