Speech errors can manifest themselves in several ways. Children may substitute one sound for another (ex: saying “thing” instead of “sing”), omit sounds (ex: saying “nana” instead of “banana”) or distort their /r/ sound.
While these speech errors may naturally correct themselves over time for some, others can experience problems that persist into adulthood. Any child that struggles to produce targeted sounds or words past a certain age may be at risk for a speech sound disorder.
Practice and persistence are key to your child’s success. Even if you’re currently working with a speech-language pathologist, incorporating at-home practice into your child’s everyday life is instrumental in improving their articulation. However, drilling your child all day with flashcards can become a little dull and repetitive.