Speech Sound Disorder in Children: Causes, Signs, Types, and Treatment Options

Speech development is a crucial part of a child’s growth and the ability to communicate with others. But sometimes parents and teachers may notice that a child has trouble pronouncing certain words or sounds—and this may be a sign of a speech sound disorder. While this condition is not dangerous, it may negatively affect a person’s life if left untreated.

In our article, we will explain the speech sound disorder definition, list common symptoms of this disorder, and explore the causes of the issue. We will also provide you with a few ideas to treat speech sound disorders at home and tell you when it is necessary to see a professional to handle this problem.

What Is Speech Sound Disorder?

Speech sound disorder (SSD) is an impairment that affects the production and pronunciation of speech sounds. A person who suffers from this disorder is unable to articulate certain sounds or words, making it difficult for others to understand them.

This disorder is relatively common—it is believed that up to 10% of children are affected by it at some point. There are two main types of speech sound disorders: articulation disorder (when a child struggles to move their lips, tongue, and jaw to produce sounds) and phonological disorder (an issue with the language rules that
leads to mispronunciation).

Symptoms of Speech Sound Disorder

Here are a few signs of speech sound disorder you may notice in your child:

• They are unable to say simple age-appropriate words. While it is normal to struggle with pronunciation at first, if the child is constantly searching for words and cannot be understood by their peers and adults, it may be a cause for concern.
• They do not participate in conversations. If the child is aware of their speech difficulties, they may be anxious to talk to other kids and grown-ups, avoid playing with others, and refuse to speak in public.
• They replace or drop certain sounds when speaking. You may notice the child says “wain” instead of “rain” or “nana” instead of “banana”—in many cases, this is a normal part of the learning process, but if the child persists in mispronunciation, you may want to consult a specialist.

Causes of Speech Sound Disorder

In many cases, it is impossible to determine the exact reason why a child suffers from a speech sound disorder. However, the following factors may contribute to this issue:

• A physical defect or medical condition. If the child was born with a cleft lip or palate, they may have trouble articulating sounds. Various hearing problems, including hearing loss, may lead to speech disorders as well. If the child cannot hear properly, they will struggle to understand and reproduce sounds.
• An injury or infection. Trauma that affects the brain, for instance, a concussion, may impair the speech of the child. Besides, if the child develops an infection, such as meningitis or encephalitis, it may adversely affect their brain.
• A family history of speech disorders. Sometimes, speech impairment is genetic—if one of the parents had this issue in their childhood, it may be passed down to the next generation.

Diagnosing Speech Sound Disorder

The diagnosis of speech sound disorder is usually carried out by a speech-language pathologist (SLP)—a healthcare provider who specializes in speech issues.

The SLP will talk to the child to evaluate their communication skills and determine whether their speech is appropriate for their age. There are several standardized tests that can be used to assess and diagnose speech sound disorders. They allow the specialist to understand what sounds the child struggles with, notice
patterns in the child’s speech, and come up with a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment for Speech Sound Disorder

Fortunately, this disorder can be treated. Here is what you can do to help your child:

Work with a speech therapist. A qualified specialist will be able to pinpoint the problem and teach the child to overcome it. Your child will benefit from a few therapy sessions, as well as continuous practice at home.

Support the child at home. As a parent, you can assist your child without leaving your house—for instance, you may show them how to move their mouth to pronounce certain sounds, praise them for their progress, and remind them to practice in front of a mirror.

Encourage the child to participate in activities. If the child’s speech disorder has led to a lack of confidence and self-esteem, make sure they have ample opportunities to play with their peers, join clubs at school, and speak in public.

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