Clearer speech, sound by sound.
Speech sound disorders cover both articulation (how individual sounds are produced) and phonology (the patterns in how sounds are used). Getting the distinction right shapes the whole therapy plan.
Two different kinds of difficulty
An articulation disorder is a difficulty physically producing a specific sound correctly , a lisp on "s", for example. A phonological disorder is different: it's a predictable pattern applied across many sounds, such as dropping the ends of words or replacing all sounds made at the back of the mouth with sounds made at the front. Many children present with a mix of both, which is exactly why an assessment matters before therapy starts.
Why the distinction changes treatment
Articulation difficulties usually respond well to motor practice , physically training the mouth to make a sound correctly. Phonological difficulties respond better to approaches that build awareness of sound patterns and contrasts. Using the wrong approach can mean slow progress even with regular sessions, so getting this right early saves time.
Signs worth an assessment
- A specific sound (like s, r, l or th) is consistently wrong past the typical age
- Whole groups of sounds are replaced by others (e.g. all 'k' and 'g' sounds become 't' and 'd')
- Sounds or syllables are regularly dropped from the ends or middles of words
- Speech intelligibility is noticeably behind same-age peers
- A pattern that was present a year ago hasn't shifted
If you recognise some of these signs, it may be helpful to discuss your child's communication with a qualified speech and language therapist. An initial discussion can help you understand whether further assessment or support would be appropriate.
How we treat speech sound disorders
Articulation therapy
Motor-based practice to correctly produce specific sounds.
Phonological approaches
Building awareness of sound patterns and contrasts.
Minimal pairs work
Practical, game-based practice contrasting similar-sounding words.
Home carryover
Simple daily practice so progress sticks outside the session.
Questions parents ask
What's the difference between an articulation disorder and a phonological disorder?+
An articulation disorder is about the physical production of specific sounds — for example, a persistent lisp. A phonological disorder is about the underlying sound system — predictable patterns like leaving off the ends of words or replacing whole groups of sounds. Both are speech sound disorders, but they're treated differently.
By what age should certain sounds be mastered?+
Sounds develop in a fairly predictable order — early sounds like p, b, m, and w are usually solid by 3; trickier sounds like r, s, l, ch and th can typically take until 6–7 or later. A speech sound disorder is a pattern that falls meaningfully outside these typical windows.
Can speech sound disorders affect reading and spelling?+
Phonological disorders in particular can be linked to later reading and spelling difficulties, since both rely on the same underlying sound-awareness skills. This is one reason we don't recommend a 'wait and see' approach once a pattern is established.