Parents often ring our Bondi Junction and Mascot clinics to seek a Speech Pathology assessment for a lisp. A lisp usually occurs when children have difficulty producing the ‘s’ and ‘z’ sounds, and sometimes the ‘sh’, ‘ch’ and ‘zh’ sounds. These sounds are tricky, and require more complex oral movements. If you are concerned that your child may have a lisp, then here are a few things that you should know.
There is more than one type of lisp:
Interdental:
This occurs when a child is saying the ‘s’ and ‘z’ sounds with their tongue coming forward between their teeth. This makes the ‘s’ and ‘z’ sound like a ‘th’ sound. The word ‘sum’ becomes ‘thumb’, and the word ‘sink’ becomes ‘think’.
Dental:
This lisp happens when the tongue is touching or pushing up against the front teeth while the child makes the ‘s’ and ‘z’ sound.
Lateral:
This lisp is often referred to as the “slushy” lisp. It is when the child makes the ‘s’ and ‘z’ sounds using an incorrect tongue position and the air comes out of the sides of their tongue instead of the middle of the tongue.
Palatal:
This lisp is when the middle of the tongue touches the roof of the mouth when the child is trying to say the ‘s’ or ‘z’ sound.
What causes a lisp?
We don’t always know what causes a lisp, but we do know that certain things are not helpful when it comes to improving a lisp. Out Speech Pathologists can tell you that some things that contribute to a lisp include:
- Thumb sucking
- Finger sucking
- Using a bottle or a ‘sippy’ cup
- Over reliance on food pouches
- Eating foods that are predominantly soft such as pasta, rice, yoghurt and soft bread.
Does my child need speech pathology for their lisp?
If your child has a lisp before the age of 4 years, we don’t usually start therapy. They are often too young for the therapy to be effective. After the age of 4 years, then a Speech Pathology assessment should be considered. Lateral lisps are not a normal part of development, and often require Speech Pathology.
If the lisp persists past the age of 4 years, then you should have an assessment with a Speech Pathologist. The Speech Pathologist will do an assessment to determine whether there are other reasons why it persists. Some children require a referral to an ENT because they are breathing through their mouth due to enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Other children may be lisping because they have a tongue tie. The Speech Pathologist will determine the most appropriate steps for therapy.
In the meantime though, we have some recommendations that may improve your child’s speech. Dummies and sippy cups should be stopped because they reinforce the lisp. Use a straw cup or an open cup. Thumb and finger sucking also reinforce the lisp, so speak to your dentist about this. Use food pouches on rare occasions. If you use food pouches frequently, we recommend that you squeeze the food onto a spoon first. If your child’s diet consists predominantly of soft foods, then bring in more crunchy and chewy foods. Meats are the best chewy foods. Raw carrot, celery and apples are great crunchy foods.
When you implement these changes, your child’s mouth may begin to make more complex oral movements. For some children, their lisp will start to improve when you make these changes.
We’re here to support you
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow and thrive.
Our clinics are not just a space for therapy – it’s a place where children can discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.
By combining innovative therapy techniques with a stimulating and supportive environment, we’re proud to offer a holistic approach to paediatric therapy and early intervention that addresses the unique needs of each child we support.
Reach out for support
If you’re concerned about your child’s dlisp or want to learn more about how Speech Pathology can help your child, OneOnOne Children’s Therapy is here to help.
Call our Bondi Junction and Mascot clinics on (02) 80657837 or email. You can book a free 30 minute phone call with us to discuss how we can support your child’s unique journey
Speech Pathology Australia is also a useful resource to help you understand Speech Pathology.
We are a dedicated team of Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Certified ESDM Therapists, and Psychologists, serving families across Sydney. We have clinic in Bondi Junction and Mascot, Sydney’s Eastern suburbs. Our clinics are tailored to provide exceptional intervention for children with autism, developmental delays, disabilities, and learning difficulties, ensuring they receive the best possible care and support.
