Recognising Difficulties
What to look for:
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Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds consistently
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Omitting or substituting sounds in words
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Difficulty being understood by others, especially unfamiliar listeners
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Struggling with complex sound combinations
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Difficulty producing age-appropriate speech sounds
Encourage Sound Practice
Model correct pronunciation by repeating words and sounds your child struggles with
Engage in playful activities like rhyming games and tongue twisters to practice specific sounds.
Provide Feedback and Reinforcement
Give positive feedback when your child makes progress in their speech sounds.
Be patient and understanding, creating a supportive environment that encourages their efforts.
Encourage Imitation
Encourage your child to imitate clear and accurate pronunciation of sounds and words.
Use visual cues, gestures, and facial expressions to enhance understanding and imitation.
Create Opportunities for Speech
Engage in conversations and interactive activities where your child has opportunities to use and practice their speech sounds.
Encourage storytelling, role-playing, and discussions to promote speech production.
Seek Professional Assessment and Support
If you have concerns about your child's speech sound development, consult with a speech-language pathologist for an assessment and personalised guidance.
They can provide specific strategies and exercises tailored to your child's needs.
Make Use of Resources
Explore resources such as speech sound development charts, online articles, and books to further understand speech sound milestones and strategies for supporting your child's development.