What is articulation?
One of the most common concerns parents bring to a speech therapist is articulation. Articulation refers to the ability to produce speech sounds clearly and correctly. Children develop sounds gradually, and it’s completely normal for some sounds to emerge later than others. For example, it’s common for a toddler to say “wabbit” instead of “rabbit” or “thoap” instead of “soap.” But if sound errors persist beyond the expected age range, it may be time for a speech evaluation. Articulation challenges are very common. The good news is, with early support and the right strategies, children can make incredible progress!
Common signs your child may benefit from speech therapy for articulation delays:
Difficulty being understood by people outside the immediate family
Substituting one sound for another (e.g., “tup” for “cup”)
Omitting sounds (e.g., “ca” for “cat”)
Adding extra sounds
Frustration when trying to communicate
The earlier articulation challenges are addressed, the easier it is for children to adapt and grow. If you feel your child may be experiencing articulation difficulties, I encourage you to talk to your child’s pediatrician or contact a local speech therapist. Speech therapy not only improves clarity when speaking - it helps build confidence and supports academic and social development.
