Articulation Disorders

What is articulation?

Articulation is the way a child moves their mouth, lips, tongue, and jaw to make speech sounds. When a child struggles with articulation, some sounds may be left off, changed, or unclear. This can make it harder for friends, teachers, and family to understand what the child is saying even when their ideas and vocabulary are age-appropriate.

Why articulation matters

Clear speech matters because it affects a child's ability to connect with others, take part in classroom activities, and feel confident speaking up. When kids are easier to understand, they are more likely to be included in play, answer questions in school, and build social relationships. Helping a child improve articulation is not about perfection; it's about increasing clarity and comfort so they can communicate with less frustration.

What to expect in therapy or coaching

Initial conversation and listening: We start with a friendly chat to hear your concerns and observe your child's speech in natural play and structured tasks. This helps us learn which sounds are different and how often clarity is affected.

Individualized plan: Every child is unique, so we create a simple plan with specific, achievable targets. Goals are practical (for example, producing a particular sound in words or in short sentences) and tied to situations that matter to your child like talking with friends or answering a teacher.

Play-based practice: Therapy is age-appropriate and often playful. For younger children that might mean games, songs, and toys that encourage certain sounds. Older children and teens may use visual cues, practice routines, and conversation-based exercises.

Caregiver coaching and carryover: Most progress happens outside the therapy room. We coach parents, caregivers, and teachers in short, doable strategies to use during daily routines like reading, snack time, or play. These tips focus on simple ways to model sounds, give feedback, and celebrate attempts.

Progress monitoring: We track small wins, adjust goals, and build from simple sound practice to using those sounds in longer phrases and everyday conversation. Sessions typically focus on repetition, feedback, and gradually increasing real-world use.

What we don't do here: We don't diagnose medical conditions. If a medical or hearing concern comes up, we'll recommend speaking with your pediatrician or an audiologist.

When to consider support

• • Your child's speech is often hard to understand for people who don't know them well.

• • A sound or group of sounds are consistently missing or substituted compared to peers.

• • Your child avoids talking, gets frustrated, or seems shy about speaking.

• • Teachers report that communication issues affect classroom participation.

How we help

• • Friendly, age-appropriate therapy that makes practice feel like play.

• • Clear, step-by-step goals focused on functional communication.

• • Practical coaching for parents and caregivers to use at home and school.

• • Regular progress checks and updates so you know whatu2019s working.

If you're unsure whether to start, a short screening conversation can help You'll get straightforward feedback and ideas to try right away, whether you choose ongoing therapy or a few sessions of coaching.