Parent Press

a Goally Publication

Get

Goally

What is an Articulation Disorder?

Home>>Neurodiversopedia>>A Terms

Summary

summary

An articulation disorder is when someone has trouble saying some words correctly. Sometimes they might mix up sounds, leave some out, or say them funny. It’s like their mouth is playing a game of telephone with their brain! But with the help of special teachers and therapists, they can learn to talk in a way that everyone can understand. They can get really good at it with practice and patience and have fun chatting with their friends and family.

Frequently Asked Question

donut

How is articulation disorder diagnosed?

A speech-language pathologist can evaluate a person’s speech to determine if they have an articulation disorder, using standardized tests and observations of speech patterns.

When should I be concerned about my child's articulation?

If your child is having difficulty being understood by others, has persistent trouble with certain speech sounds, or is becoming frustrated with their communication skills, it may be worth seeking an evaluation from a speech-language pathologist.

Can adults have articulation disorder too?

Yes, while it is most commonly diagnosed in children, adults can also experience articulation disorders as a result of injury, illness, or other factors. A speech-language pathologist can help evaluate and treat articulation disorders in individuals of all ages.

Scientific Definition

scientist

An articulation disorder is a type of communication disorder that affects a person’s ability to pronounce words correctly. This condition is characterized by errors in producing speech sounds, making it difficult for individuals to be understood by others. Articulation disorders can be caused by various factors, including structural abnormalities in the mouth or tongue, hearing impairment, or developmental delays. Some common articulation errors include substituting one sound for another, omitting, or distorting sounds. Children with articulation disorders may benefit from speech therapy, which can help them learn to produce sounds correctly and improve their overall communication skills. With early intervention and support, many individuals with articulation disorders can develop effective communication skills and lead fulfilling lives.

Video Explanation

video-explanation

Treatment for Articulation Disorder

Effective treatment plays a crucial role in addressing articulation disorders and improving communication skills. Here are some approaches that can help:

  • Speech therapy: Working with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) can provide targeted interventions to address specific articulation errors.
  • Articulation exercises: Practicing specific sounds or words through repetition and targeted exercises can help improve pronunciation.
  • Visual cues: Using visual aids, such as mirrors or diagrams, can assist in demonstrating correct tongue and mouth placement for specific sounds.
  • Parent involvement: Engaging in home-based activities and practicing speech exercises with your child can reinforce progress made during therapy sessions.
  • Encouragement and support: Offering positive reinforcement and creating a supportive environment can boost your child’s confidence and motivation to overcome challenges.

With consistent therapy, practice, and support, individuals with articulation disorders can make significant progress and develop clearer speech and improved communication skills, leading to positive long-term outcomes.

Symptoms of Articulation Disorder

When it comes to articulation disorders, recognizing the symptoms is crucial for early intervention. Here are some common signs to watch out for:

  • Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or words.
  • Substituting one sound for another (e.g., saying “wabbit” instead of “rabbit”).
  • Omitting or skipping sounds in words.
  • Distorting sounds, making them unclear or garbled.
  • Struggling to be understood by others.
  • Frustration or reluctance to communicate due to difficulties.

By being aware of these symptoms, parents can identify potential articulation disorders in their children and seek appropriate support and therapy. Goally, a tablet tool, provides apps for kids with articulation disorders. These apps include digital visual schedules, AAC, gamified learning, emotional regulation, executive functioning skills, and social skills training videos, helping children build language skills and improve communication abilities.

 

Editorโ€™s note: This information is not meant to diagnose or treat and should not take the place of personal consultation, as needed, with a qualified healthcare provider and/or BCBA.

 

This post was originally published on March 30, 2023. It was updated on July 14, 2023.