May is the month where we explore issues related to communication. The theme for this year is Speech Sound Disorders (SSDs).
A child's ability to communicate effectively can be affected by their articulation or speech – the way in which they pronounce sounds to make words and sentences. Pediatric SSDs encompass a variety of conditions where a child has difficulties producing speech sounds correctly (e.g., phonological patterns, motor difficulties, etc.). Errors can include simple misarticulations such as a lisp or saying a /t/ sound instead of a /k/, or complex patterns of errors.
Image credit: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association 2024.
Parents and educators are encouraged to seek timely support, assessments and intervention. Addressing speech sound disorders early can pave the way for more effective communication skills, supporting a child's academic success, overall development and well-being!
Learn more about apraxia of speech
Get tips on supporting a child who makes articulation errors
The CIUSSS speech-language pathologist team
