What is a lisp?
Speech lisps are a speech disorder characterized by the inability to correctly produce the /s/ and/or /z/ sounds. Lisping can occur in both children and adults, and it can vary in severity from mild to severe.
People with lisps may replace the /s/ and /z/ sounds with other sounds, such as a “th” sound or a distorted version of the intended sound. This can make it difficult for others to understand their speech, and it can lead to self-consciousness and communication difficulties for those affected.
What do to at home ?
If you or someone you know is struggling with a speech lisp, there are several home remedies that may help improve speech clarity.
First and foremost, practice proper tongue placement. The tongue should be positioned behind the top front teeth while producing the /s/ and /z/ sounds. Additionally, using a mirror to observe the mouth and tongue movements while speaking can help individuals become more aware of their articulation and make necessary adjustments.
Then, practice /s/ and /z/ with a single vowel such as /s/ /o/ or /e/ /s/, trying as many correct repetitions as possible. This may take multiple repetitives sessions for an individual sound or combined with a vowel. Be persistent. Foundations are very important. Once simple single syllable sounds have progressed, add a consonant, then a vowel, gradually increasing the difficulty.
Keeping focus on doing repetitive articulation therapy is difficult, digital games are a fun and engaging way to do the repetitive therapy required to improve articulation
Check Out the Best Articulation Apps
The main goal is to both build good pronunciation of words used in everyday life and to slowly increase the complexity of the words correctly pronounced.
Finally moving into practice reading aloud. Reading aloud not only helps individuals develop better pronunciation and enunciation skills, but it also provides an opportunity to practice the correct tongue placement required for clear speech. By reading aloud regularly, individuals can strengthen their speech muscles and improve their overall speech fluency.
Furthermore, incorporating tongue twisters into daily speech practice can be an enjoyable way to work on speech clarity. Tongue twisters are phrases or sentences that are difficult to pronounce due to their repetitive use of certain sounds. By repeatedly saying tongue twisters, individuals can challenge themselves to articulate specific sounds correctly, ultimately helping to overcome their lisp.
It is important to note that while home remedies can be effective in improving speech clarity, it is always recommended to consult with a speech-language pathologist for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan. A speech-language pathologist can provide professional guidance and tailor exercises to address the specific needs of individuals with lisps.
What would speech and language therapy treatment for a lisp involve?
Speech and language therapy is a common treatment approach for lisps. In therapy, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) will assess the individual’s specific speech patterns and develop a tailored treatment plan. The therapy sessions usually consist of targeted exercises and techniques aimed at improving overall speech intelligibility and correcting the lisp.
During therapy, the SLP may focus on developing proper tongue placement, strengthening the muscles involved in producing the /s/ and /z/ sounds, and increasing awareness of sound production. The therapist may use visual aids, such as mirrors or videos, to help individuals visualize correct tongue and mouth movements. They may also provide feedback and guidance on proper articulation techniques.
Furthermore, SLPs are masters at their craft and, using a variety of activities, render very repetitive therapy fun and engaging. This is often difficult for families to recreate such an engaging experience at home though it is important to practice between in-clinic sessions.
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Speech therapy for articulation is BO-RING! Have a strong go-to list of activities to keep things fresh, fun and engaging!
In addition to exercises and games, speech and language therapy may also include strategies to promote generalization of skills. This means that the SLP will work with the individual to transfer their newly acquired speech skills from the therapy room to real-life situations. For instance, the therapist may provide opportunities for the individual to practice their speech sounds during conversations with family members or friends.
Furthermore, speech and language therapy may incorporate technology-based tools and resources to enhance the treatment process. For example, there are various speech therapy apps and software programs available that can be used to supplement traditional therapy techniques. These tools can provide additional practice opportunities and allow individuals to track their progress over time.
What is the treatment for lisps? How can you get rid of a lisp?
Speech and language therapy can be highly effective in helping individuals overcome lisps. Through consistent therapy sessions, individuals can learn to retrain their tongue and speech muscles to produce the correct /s/ and /z/ sounds. With practice and guidance from a skilled SLP, individuals can gradually improve their speech clarity, fluency, and confidence.
Furthermore, speech and language therapy not only addresses the physical aspect of producing sounds but also focuses on building communication skills. Therapists can help individuals develop effective strategies for self-expression, active listening, and engaging in meaningful conversations.
However, in more severe cases, additional interventions may be necessary. In some situations, orthodontic treatment may be recommended, especially if a lisp is caused or exacerbated by misaligned teeth or jaw positioning. By correcting dental or orthodontic issues, the lisp can be significantly improved or eliminated. Consulting with an orthodontist can help determine if this additional treatment option is needed.
In rare cases where the lisp is caused by an anatomical abnormality, surgical intervention may be considered. However, this is typically a last resort and is only pursued when all other options have been exhausted.
When is lisping a concern? Is a lisp serious?
It is important to note that lisping is a common occurrence in young children as they develop speech and language skills. In many cases, lisping naturally resolves as children grow older and acquire better control over their articulators. However, if a lisp persists beyond the age of 4 or 5, or if it significantly impacts the individual’s ability to communicate and be understood, it may be a cause for concern and require professional evaluation and treatment.
If you have any concerns about your child’s speech development or if you are an adult struggling with a lisp, it is advisable to consult a speech-language pathologist who can assess the situation and provide appropriate guidance.
The connection between lisping and misaligned teeth
It is not uncommon to find a correlation between lisping and misaligned teeth. The position of the teeth, particularly the front teeth, can influence airflow and tongue placement required for proper speech production. When the teeth are misaligned, it can significantly impact the accurate production of sounds, including the /s/ and /z/ sounds.
Therefore, it is essential to address any underlying dental issues that may contribute to a lisp. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or other corrective methods, can help align the teeth and improve speech clarity. In some cases, a collaboration between a speech-language pathologist and an orthodontist may be required to achieve the best possible outcomes.
What causes a lisp?
Did you know that lisps can occur due to a variety of reasons? The exact cause of lisps can vary from person to person.
Some individuals develop a lisp because of a tongue thrust, where the tongue pushes against the front teeth during speech. Others may have a lisp due to a misalignment of the teeth or jaw, cleft palate, or oral motor function, causing difficulty in producing certain sounds. In some cases, lisping may be developmental, meaning it is simply a normal part of a child’s speech development process. Lisping can also be a consequence of certain medical conditions, including hearing impairment or neurological disorders.
Identifying the underlying cause of the lisp is essential in determining the most appropriate treatment approach and achieving successful outcomes.
What age should a lisp go away?
Lisps often disappear without therapy. By age 5, 75% of children will have mastered the sounds /s/ & /z/ according to an in-depth review of multiple studies in “Children’s English Consonant Acquisition in the United States: A Review” Crowe & McLeod (2020). in the same study, 90% of children will have mastered it by age 8, so there is a wide normal range. We would however not recommend to wait until later in that normal range to provide extra support to master this sound.
Types of lisps
There are several types of lisps, each characterized by a specific speech error. The most common types include:
- interdental lisps occur when the tongue protrudes between the front teeth during the production of the /s/ and /z/ sounds. This results in a “th” sound instead of the intended sound
- lateral lisps occur when the airflow escapes from the sides of the tongue, causing a slushy or “slushy” sound
- palatal lisps, also known as “sh” lisps, occur when the tongue contacts the hard palate during sound production
The specific type of lisp an individual has will guide the treatment approach and therapy techniques recommended by a speech-language pathologist.
Are a lisps considered a disability?
The American Disabilities Act states that an individual is disabled if he or she: (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; (2) has a record of such an impairment; or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment. Speaking and communicating are included in the major life activities. In the case of a lisp, to be qualified as disabled, you would need to be substantially limited in the major life activity of speaking. You can read a great article from American Institure of Stuttering on “The Americans with Disabilities Act: How it relates to stuttering”.
In the United Kingdom, the Equality Act 2010 defines a disabled person when he or she has (1) a physical or mental impairment and (2) the impairment has a substantial and (3) long-term adverse effect on his or her (4) ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. In the specific case of a lisp, it does not meet substancial impairment criteria and thus does not qualify as a disability (example in page 56). However, as it relates to section B6, a minor impairment like a lisp combined with another minor impairment, when combined, could meet the qualifying criteria for disability.
In conclusion, a speech lisp is a speech disorder that can affect the way a person pronounces certain sounds, particularly the /s/ and /z/ sounds. While lisping can be challenging, it is important to remember that treatment options, such as speech and language therapy, can help individuals improve their speech clarity, fluency, and confidence. By targeting the underlying causes of a lisp and developing proper techniques, individuals can achieve significant progress in their speech abilities. Whether it is through home remedies, orthodontic treatment, or a combination of interventions, addressing a lisp can contribute to enhanced communication and overall well-being. If you or someone you know is experiencing a lisp, seeking professional guidance from a speech-language pathologist is the first step towards achieving improved speech intelligibility and self-expression.
