These difficulties might be a speech sound disorder or delay. These problems often make it hard for individuals to say sounds, words, or sentences correctly, affecting how well other people can understand them. 

It's important to know what causes these issues and what can be done to help, whether you're someone dealing with the problem, a parent, or a speech therapist.

1. Articulation Disorders:

• Articulation disorders involve distorting or substituting specific speech sounds. 

• These difficulties are commonly seen in individuals with cleft lip or palate, among others. 

2. Phonological Disorders:

• Phonological disorders affect the underlying sound patterns in a person's speech. Individuals with phonological disorders may have trouble with entire groups of sounds or sound patterns, such as changing "back-of-the-mouth" sounds (/k, g/) to "front-of-the-mouth sounds" (/d, g/). 

• This is why a child who says "tat" for cat  may also say "dod" for dog.

3. Apraxia of Speech:

• Apraxia of speech is a motor speech disorder characterized by difficulty planning and coordinating the precise movements needed for speech. It often results in inconsistent speech errors and vowel errors.

4. Accented English:

• For people who speak another language than English, sometimes their accent can make them difficult to understand. Sometimes they become tired of being asked where they are from or having to repeat themselves. 

• This is a difference, not a disorder. However, we do offer accent coaching at Speech with Sarah if you want to sound more like a native English speaker. 

To learn about the causes of speech sound delays in children, click here. 

If you have questions about your child's speech, please contact us using the form below or via email or phone.