Articulation refers to the actual motor movements made by your mouth (lips, tongue, throat, palate) when producing speech sounds...coordinating the mouth to produce sounds to form words and sentences. Speech therapy addresses issues that arise when a person has difficulty accurately articulating sounds, syllables, and words. Speech therapy can address speech articulation, speech fluency, and voice issues.
Not all speech articulation weaknesses are the same. SLP's can evaluate your child to determine if the speech errors are articulation errors, phonological errors, or Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). Depending on the type of articulation errors your child demonstrates, therapy approaches will differ.
Videos, handouts and strategies are linked below.
Speech Sound development is a gradual process. We shouldn't expect children to be able to say all of their sounds correctly as soon as they start talking. Here is a quick reference guide for typical speech sound development. Remember, not all kids develop in the same way or at the same rate. |
In Missouri, our eligibility criteria is similar to these norms. They are posted here. However, to be eligible for speech services in Missouri schools (as a child with a Sound System Disorder), there must be a one year delay from "typical" sound development. Click on the image below for the ages Missouri has determined to be ages of speech sound acquisition. |
Articulation Therapy
Phonological Processes & Treatment
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
Additional Resources