How Long Will It Take to “Fix” My Child’s Speech?
This is one of the most common questions I get as a pediatric speech therapist: “How long will it take to fix my child’s speech?” or "How long will my child need speech therapy?” A completely understandable, valid question that doesn’t always come with a straightforward answer… let’s break down why.
Speech is COMPLEX
First, it’s really important to understand that speech production is a complex motor skill, much like riding a bike, or driving a car. Many things happen simultaneously in our brain to make these activities happen quickly, fluently, and done relatively the same way each time. When a child is not developing speech as expected, there are various factors that could be the cause - which is why it’s important to work with a licensed and qualified speech therapist to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. The root cause of the difficulty is one factor to consider when determining how long your child might be in speech therapy.
The Challenge of Changing Learned Habits
Another important factor is the child’s age when they begin speech therapy. Early intervention for speech difficulties typically results in the quickest resolution…. why? Because the longer a child practices a skill incorrectly, the more ingrained that habit becomes, making it harder to change. This concept applies to speech just as it does to other learned actions.
Consider This Analogy:
Think about driving. Assuming that you drive, and assuming that you drive with your right foot, you’ve probably been driving pretty much the same way since you learned how to drive. Now, imagine if tomorrow you lose your right food and have to learn to drive with your left foot. Most of us would struggle with this, but there would be varying degrees of difficulty and length of time it takes each individual to unlearn using their right foot and learn how to drive with their left.
But, with consistent practice and the right supports, most people could eventually learn to drive with their left foot fluently. However, without consistent practice and appropriate support, it would take much longer to develop this new way of driving.
Speech Production Works the Same Way!
Speech production is a remarkable and intricate process that involves coordinated movements of various parts of the mouth, throat, and respiratory system. For children, mastering speech sounds involves a series of complex steps that may not always develop at the same pace for every child. If a child is struggling to produce a sound or speak intelligibly, the right supports (speech therapy or the support of a licensed speech therapist) and consistent practice (as long as it’s done correctly and as recommended by a speech therapist) can make all the difference!
Key Takeaways
Early Intervention: The longer your child uses incorrect sounds, the longer and more difficult it will likely be to correct.
Consistent Practice: With the right supports and consistent practice, your child can learn to say their sounds correctly. PRACTICE MAKES PROGRESS!
Individual Differences: Every child is different, and the time needed to “fix” speech issues will vary based on several factors.
By understanding these principles and seeking timely supports if your child is struggling with speech, you can support your child in developing their speech skills effectively.
A Reminder: Expected Speech Sounds by Age
By 2 Years:
p (as in "pop")
m (as in "mom")
b (as in "ball")
d (as in "dog")
n (as in "no")
h (as in "hi")
w (as in "water")
By 3 Years:
t (as in "top")
k (as in "cat")
f (as in "fun")
g (as in "go")
ng (as in "sing")
y (as in "yes")
By 4 Years:
s (as in "sun")
v (as in "van")
z (as in "zebra")
l (as in "love")
sh (as in "shoe")
j (as in "jump")
ch (as in "chip")
By 5 Years:
zh (as in "measure")
r (as in "red")
voiced-th (as in "this")
By 6 Years:
voiceless-th (as in "think")
When children do not pronounce these sounds correctly by the expected age, it might be time to consider consulting with a speech therapist to see if speech therapy may be beneficial.