• Articulation and Fluency

    Articulation
    A speech sound disorder occurs when mistakes continue past a certain age. Every sound has a different range of ages when the child should make the sound correctly. Speech sound disorders include problems with articulation (making sounds) and phonological processes (sound patterns).  Common sound errors that are seen in elementary school are /V/, /S/, /R/, /L/, /TH/, /SH/, /CH/, and /J/. 

    Here are some suggestions (links) for articulation practice!

    Articulation Worksheets for Home Practice

    Fluency
    Stuttering, also called dysfluencies, is a communication disorder that affects the fluent production of speech.  It is characterized by an interruption in the normal flow of speech (the production of sounds, words, phrases and sentences).  These interruptions in the normal flow of speech can be repetitions (ha, ha, happy; I want, I want, I want to go too.), prolongations (cccccat) and blocks (airflow is stopped and the child struggles to release the air for the sounds and words).  It is common for children between the ages of 3-5 years old to have minor dysfluencies when they speak.  However, if your child’s dysfluencies increase or you have concerns about it, you should contact a speech-language pathologist. 

    Internet Links: 
    The Stuttering Foundation of America (7 Tips for Parents)