When Should I Worry About My Child’s Stuttering and Lisp?
As a parent, it is normal to be attentive to your child’s development. One of the usual concerns when it comes to their progress is their speech development. Furthermore, one of the common issues noted during childhood are stuttering and lisps and many kids have had this at some point. However, distinguishing between typical speech development and signs that might require intervention can be challenging. Knowing when to seek speech therapy, Toronto, and nearby cities, can make a big difference in your child’s spoken communication skills and, overall, their confidence.
Understanding Stuttering
Stuttering is a condition related to speech that is marked by disruptions in the flow of speech. Some examples may include repetitions of sounds, syllables, or words. Additionally, some may prolong sounds and even pause for too long. Unsurprisingly, most children go through a phase of stuttering during their early speech development. Specifically, between ages 2 and 5, during the time when language skills are rapidly advancing.
Although common, parents should still pay attention to how often and how severe the stuttering is. Categorically, if your child’s stuttering lasts over half a year or gets worse every time then this might warrant intervention. Worse, should the stuttering be accompanied by physical tension or secondary behaviors such as eye blinking or facial grimacing, then it may be time to get professional help.
Understanding Lisps
A lisp, on the other hand, is a sound disorder in speech. This affects the enunciation of certain sounds, such as “s” and “z” that may come out as “th.” Although most kids develop a lisp as they learn to speak, it typically goes away on its own by around 5 years old. However, if a lisp persists, then it can affect a child’s ability to effectively communicate.
In worse cases, children with lisp can also struggle with reading and writing. This is because a persistent lisp can hinder their overall communication skills. Therefore, if your child is over the age of 5 and still exhibits a lisp, then it is best to check-in with a speech-language pathologist.
When to Seek Speech Therapy
Check if you notice any of the signs below in your child. If yes, consider it a must to seek speech therapy in Toronto:
Duration
If stuttering or lisping goes on longer than the typical age of resolution. This would be 6 months for stuttering and 5 years for lisps.
Impact on Communication
If your child shows frustration or avoids speaking due to their speech difficulties.
Family History
A family history of speech disorders can increase the likelihood of similar issues in your child.
Social Interaction
If your child’s speech issues affect their social interactions or self-esteem.
Consulting a speech-language pathologist early on results in a better outcome. They can provide your child with the tools and techniques needed to improve their speech clarity. These professionals will assess your child’s condition in order to create a tailored intervention plan. This is best in order to support your child’s unique needs.
Get in touch with the professionals
Stuttering and lisps can be a normal part of speech development. However, being proactive is needed in cases where these issues persist. Early intervention through speech therapy in Toronto can help your child gain the confidence they need. Similarly, they can develop effective communication skills. Here at SpeechLink, we know how worrying it can be for parents. Likewise, it is also as stressful for the kids. Our team of professionals are able to help out with these issues. Schedule your consultation with us and let us help you determine if your child needs speech therapy. Toronto and nearby locations residents are welcome.