Articulation: What It Is and What to Expect
Articulation is the act of producing speech sounds when talking to other people. When we refer to articulation, we talk about how words, phrases, or sentences are said.
Articulation requires several very carefully coordinated motor actions. First, we need to vocalize, which means we have to move air through the larynx (or “voice box”) in a way that creates sound. Then, we have to shape that vocalization into vowels or consonant sounds. We do this by moving our cheeks, lips, tongue, and soft palate to move the air around our mouth so precisely that it forms the speech sounds in the words and sentences we have chosen to utter out loud.
Most of us do this quickly, effortlessly, and nearly unconsciously. Some children, though, have difficulty producing speech sounds accurately–their words are unclear, and people have difficulty understanding what they are saying. These children are having difficulty with articulation or phonology.
Candidates for Speech & Language Intervention
Children who require speech and language intervention services may struggle with one, some, or all of these areas.
Contact our office if you suspect your child may be having communication difficulties.
Can’t Express Basic Needs
A child who can’t express their basic needs to others—might cry or throw a tantrum but cannot use words or gestures to show their parents what they want—showing struggles with basic communication.
Lack of Word Understanding
A little one who does not fully understand our words has difficulty with receptive language. For example, a child with a receptive language delay might be unable to follow simple directions, respond to her name, or find pictures in a book.
Lack of Word Understanding
A little one who does not fully understand our words has difficulty with receptive language. For example, a child with a receptive language delay might be unable to follow simple directions, respond to her name, or find pictures in a book.
Unintelligible Speech
A child who is talking about a blue streak? A child using lots of words and sentences but whose speech is not understood by others is having difficulty with speech or articulation.
Fluency Issues
A child with lots of words but struggling to speak without repeating words and syllables multiple times has difficulty with fluency.
Hoarse or Raspy Voice
A child who uses sentences, understands language well, and produces speech sounds well but who has a habitually hoarse voice might have a voice disorder.
Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists in Rye, NY
Are you noticing some issues in articulation in your child? Seek professional help and consult with an audiologist or speech language pathologists.
Audiology and Speech Solutions are experts in diagnosing and managing articulation and speech issues in children and adults. Contact us today to book a consultation!