When a child’s speech is less well pronounced and more difficult to understand compared to other children of the same age, this might be because of a Speech Sound Disorder (SSD). About 12 children in every 100 will have a SSD and about half of them will also have language difficulties. There are different types of SSDs which require different therapy input, so it’s important to have a detailed speech and language therapy assessment to identify exactly what type of SSD a child has.
Articulation Disorders
Articulation disorders occur when the child finds it difficult to make the correct movements needed to make a particular speech sound; this usually only affects a small number of sounds and other sounds are produced accurately.
Phonological Disorders
Phonological disorders are when the child is able to produce sounds correctly on their own, but has difficulty using these sounds correctly in words, either missing them out or replacing them with a different sound.
Other Speech Sound Disorders
Some children may have a ‘motor speech disorder’ such as Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), also known as Dyspraxia. For more information visit our CAS page.
Children with Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy may also have speech disorders. For more information visit our pages on Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy.
Our experienced team is dedicated to helping children with Speech Sound Disorders to reach their full potential. We use evidence-based methods tailored to each child’s unique needs, ensuring therapy is both effective and enjoyable.
Children and young people spend as much time in education as they do at home, so it is important to us that nursery/school staff and parents/carers all know how best to support the child. This means that we provide sessions both in clinic and in education settings, as appropriate in each individual case, supporting all those around the child.
If you’re concerned about your child’s speech development, we’re here to help. Please contact us to find out more or to arrange an assessment.
Useful Information:
A speech sound disorder is when a child has difficulty saying certain sounds correctly or clearly. This may include leaving sounds out, substituting one sound for another, or distorting sounds, making speech harder to understand.
There can be many reasons, including differences in speech sound development, hearing difficulties, oral-motor coordination differences, or how a child learns speech patterns. Sometimes there is no clear cause, and children simply need support to develop accurate speech.
Some speech errors are common and age-appropriate while children are learning to talk, particularly in the first five years of life. Many of these resolve naturally.
However, if a child continues to make errors beyond the age a sound is typically mastered, or uses patterns that are not part of typical development, speech and language therapy can help. A Speech and Language Therapist will assess your child’s speech and advise whether therapy is appropriate.
It’s worth seeking advice if your child:
If you’re unsure, a speech and language assessment can provide clarity and reassurance.
Producing a sound on its own is much easier than using it in words, sentences and conversation. Speaking at a natural pace while coordinating many sounds is a complex skill.
Therapy starts where your child is successful and gradually builds towards accurate use of sounds in words, sentences and everyday speech. It’s normal for progress to happen in stages.
A Speech and Language Therapist will listen to how your child produces sounds in different contexts, look at patterns of errors, consider age-appropriate development, and assess overall clarity. This helps decide whether therapy is needed and which sounds to target.
Find out more about our Assessment Service.
Therapy helps children learn how to produce sounds accurately and use them consistently in everyday speech. Sessions are tailored to your child and often include games, repetition, visual cues and movement-based activities to support learning.
Your therapist will agree to a schedule with you based on your child’s needs and what is realistic for your family. Weekly sessions are often effective, but regular practice at home is essential.
Short, frequent practice between sessions (“little and often”) helps children make steady progress. Your therapist will provide guidance and activities to support home practice.
You can help by:
Your SLT will tailor advice to your child’s needs.
Yes. If a child is hard to understand, they may feel frustrated or avoid speaking. Supporting speech clarity early can help with confidence, social interaction and later literacy skills.
