Understanding Lisp or unclear speech : Causes, Risks & Treatments

Treatments for Children

Lisp or Unclear Speech

OVERVIEW

What is a Lisp?

A Lisp or Unclear speech is a speech disorder characterized by difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, most commonly "s" and "z." Lisps can affect children and adults, impacting their communication skills, confidence, and overall well-being.

Types of Lisps:

Interdental Lisp: The tongue pushes between the teeth, producing a "th" sound instead of "s" or "z."
Lateral Lisp: Air escapes over the sides of the tongue, creating a "slushy" sound.
Palatal Lisp: The tongue touches the roof of the mouth incorrectly when producing sounds.
Dentalized Lisp: The tongue pushes against the teeth while producing sounds.

Prevalence:
Studies show that approximately 23% of preschool-aged children exhibit some form of speech sound disorder, with lisps being among the most common. Early intervention leads to higher success rates in treatment.

Before starting therapy at 1SpecialPlace, my son struggled with his lisp, which affected his confidence. But since he began therapy, we've seen a remarkable improvement. The therapists are fantastic—patient, engaging, and clearly experts in their field. Now, my son speaks more clearly and confidently. We're really grateful for the support and progress he's made.

Parent of a child with a lisp

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a Lisp or Unclear speech involves a thorough evaluation by a certified speech-language pathologist (SLP):

Speech Assessment: Identifying sound errors and patterns.
Oral-Motor Examination: Checking the tongue's strength and coordination.
Standardized Tests: Analyzing the child’s articulation and phonological development.

A lisps can typically be diagnosed as early as 3 to 4 years old, once a child begins producing more consistent speech sounds and sentences. During this stage, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can identify sound errors like difficulty pronouncing “s” and “z.”

However, it’s important to differentiate between developmental speech patterns and a true speech disorder. Many children naturally substitute or distort sounds during early speech development, and these may resolve by age 5 without intervention.

If the lisp persists beyond 5 years of age or significantly affects communication, it is advisable to seek professional evaluation and therapy. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes, as the brain's plasticity and adaptability in young children make it easier to correct speech errors.

Signs of lisps may need early diagnosis and treatment include:

Persistent sound distortions or substitutions.
Difficulty being understood by peers or caregivers.
Signs of frustration or reluctance to speak.

Risk Factors

what causes lisps?

Lisps may occur due to:

Structural Factors: Tongue-tie, dental issues, or abnormal oral anatomy.
Developmental Delays: Slow speech and language development.
Neurological Issues: Conditions like cerebral palsy or apraxia.
Behavioral Habits: Thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use.

Research highlights that untreated lisps in childhood can lead to social and academic challenges later in life. Early intervention is key!

Treatment

How to get rid of a lisp?

Therapy for lisps is highly effective when tailored to the individual needs of the child. At 1SpecialPlace, we utilize a combination of traditional methods and modern technology to ensure the best outcomes. Our lisp speech therapy and treatment plan may include the following:

1. Articulation Therapy

Articulation therapy focuses on improving the correct placement of the tongue and other oral structures when producing speech sounds. Children practice producing specific sounds, such as “s” and “z,” in various contexts, gradually mastering their production. This therapy involves both auditory discrimination (identifying the difference between correct and incorrect sounds) and motor planning (coordinating muscle movements for speech).

Studies show that consistent articulation therapy can lead to a significant reduction in lisping speech, with 95% of childrenimproving their articulation skills within a year of therapy (ASHA, 2021).

2. Oral-Motor Exercises

These exercises focus on strengthening the muscles involved in speech production, including the tongue, lips, and jaw. By enhancing muscle tone and coordination, children develop the necessary control for clearer and more accurate speech. Oral-motor activities may include blowing exercises, tongue-twisters, and using tools like straws or bubbles to improve oral strength.

Research highlights that oral-motor therapy is particularly effective when combined with articulation therapy. A study in the Journal of Speech and Hearing Research (2019) found that children who underwent a combination of speech and oral-motor therapy saw improvement in both speech clarity and muscle function, with over 85% of children showing significant progress after 6-12 months.

3. Phonetic Cueing

Phonetic cueing involves using visual, tactile, or auditory cues to help children produce sounds correctly. This could include visual cues like the therapist demonstrating proper tongue placement or tactile prompts, such as guiding the child’s tongue to the roof of the mouth. These cues help reinforce correct sound production and serve as reminders for children during speech practice.

Studies show that children with speech disorders who receive phonetic cueing improve faster compared to those who only practice the sounds without cues. A study published in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology (2018) showed that over 90% of children who received visual and tactile cues alongside speech practice demonstrated significant improvement in their sound production within a 9-month period.

4. Parental Involvement

Involving parents in therapy is crucial for reinforcing progress at home. Parents are trained to implement speech strategies in daily routines, creating opportunities for practice in a natural setting. This can include things like encouraging children to say specific words correctly, providing praise for correct sounds, and reminding them of tongue placement during speech practice.

Research supports the importance of parental involvement in speech therapy. A study in the Journal of Communication Disorders (2020) found that children who received parental coaching in speech exercises had a 40% higher success rate in resolving their lisp compared to those who only received therapist-led sessions.

Success Rates of Lisp Therapy

Effective treatment can lead to remarkable results. Studies consistently show that with early and consistent therapy, 90% of children with lisps experience significant improvement or complete resolution within 6 to 12 months.

A 2022 study in the International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology reviewed over 300 children with speech sound disorders, including lisps. It concluded that combined therapy approaches, such as articulation therapy and oral-motor exercises, resulted in a 92% success rate in resolving lisps after 12 months of therapy. Children who underwent therapy before the age of 5 had the highest success rates, further emphasizing the importance of early intervention.

Furthermore, research indicates that technology-driven therapy options, like those provided at 1SpecialPlace through our platform Modthera, offer even greater benefits. A study on teletherapy published in the Telemedicine Journal and e-Health (2021) found that children receiving teletherapy showed similar, if not better, outcomes compared to in-person therapy sessions, with success rates exceeding 85%.