As a parent, noticing your child’s speech patterns can be both insightful and concerning. Two common speech patterns you might encounter are interdental and lateral lisps. Understanding these lisps is crucial, as early intervention can significantly enhance your child’s communication skills.
What Are Interdental and Lateral Lisps?
- Interdental Lisp: An interdental lisp occurs when your child produces the /s/ and /z/ sounds with their tongue protruding between their teeth, resulting in a sound similar to “th.” For instance, “sun” may be pronounced as “thun.” This pattern is typical during the early stages of speech development and may require some intervention.
- Lateral lisp: In contrast, a lateral lisp arises when airflow is directed over the sides of the tongue while saying /s/ and /z/. This produces a “slushy” sound, causing words like “silly” to sound more like “shilly.” While it may seem subtle, lateral lisps can affect how well others understand your child and influence their confidence in social situations.
Here is a quote from someone who had a lateral lisp:
“I always felt a bit embarrassed when I spoke because I knew my ‘s’ sounds came out all wrong. It was like my tongue was playing tricks on me, and instead of crisp, clear words, I would hear this slushy sound. It made me self-conscious, especially when talking to friends or presenting in class.”
Airflow Obstruction: In both types of lisps, airflow obstruction plays a significant role in sound production.
- For interdental lisps, the tongue often blocks airflow between the teeth and the alveolar ridge (the first joint behind the teeth where the bumps are located). The tongue may barely touch this bumpy area, leading to an incorrect sound.
In the case of lateral lisps, the sides of the tongue do not reach high enough to create a proper seal against the upper molars. This allows air to escape over the sides of the tongue, resulting in a mix of air and saliva that produces the slushy sound. Ideally, airflow should be directed solely in front of the mouth.
When Do These Lisps Exist in Kids?
Interdental and lateral lisps are quite common in young children as they learn to articulate sounds. It’s not unusual for kids to display these patterns between the ages of 3 and 5. While many children naturally outgrow these speech patterns by age 7, some may require additional support.
Common Strategies to Help Remove Lisps
1. Seek Professional Guidance: If you notice persistent lisps in your child’s speech, consider reaching out to a speech-language pathologist. They can provide tailored strategies and exercises to help your child improve their speech.
2. Use Visual and Tactile Cues: Using mirrors during practice can help your child see their tongue placement. Tactile cues, such as gently guiding their tongue to the correct position, can also be effective.
3. Incorporate Play-Based Activities: Engaging your child in fun games and storytelling can make practicing speech sounds enjoyable. Encourage them to use target sounds during playtime to reinforce their learning.
4. Provide Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate your child’s successes, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can boost their motivation and confidence when practicing their speech.
5. Address Dental Factors: Missing front teeth can complicate the treatment of interdental lisps. If your child has lost teeth, consult with a dentist to explore options that can support their speech development.
Evidence Supporting Intervention
Research highlights the importance of early intervention for speech disorders. Studies have shown that children who receive targeted support for lisps experience significant improvements in their articulation skills compared to those who do not receive intervention.
Early attention to speech concerns can prevent complications in social interactions and academic performance.
Interdental and lateral lisps can present challenges for children, but with the right support and strategies, many children can overcome these speech patterns. If you have concerns about your child’s speech, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a qualified professional. Early intervention can pave the way for clearer communication and greater confidence in social situations.
