Articulation (Pronunciation)
Articulation pertains to the production of speech sounds and their pronunciation. While some speech errors are typical during a child's language development, such as saying "wabbit" for "rabbit," these errors should naturally resolve by a certain age. When these errors persist and do not self-correct, they are known as phonological processes, and a speech therapist can assist in overcoming these challenges to achieve age-appropriate pronunciations.
Who might benefit from speech therapy for articulation:
- Children who struggle with producing speech sounds expected at an early age, like the /p/ or /b/ sounds typically acquired by age 3.
- Children who continue to exhibit speech errors beyond the expected age.
- Children who have difficulty being understood by family, friends, or teachers.
A speech-language pathologist can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if a child displays signs of articulation difficulties. Following the assessment, the clinician can recommend ongoing therapy services tailored to address the child's specific needs and improve their articulation skills.