Articulation Disorders

Clear speech is essential for effective communication, especially during early development. Articulation disorders occur when an individual has difficulty physically producing certain speech sounds, which can make speech unclear, difficult to understand, or even frustrating for both the speaker and listener.

These challenges are not due to language delay or hearing loss, but rather involve motor-based difficulties in coordinating the movements of the tongue, lips, teeth, and jaw needed for specific sounds.

Common Signs of an Articulation Disorder

Sound Substitutions: Saying “wabbit” instead of “rabbit” (substituting /w/ for /r/)
Sound Omissions: Leaving out sounds in words (e.g., “nana” for “banana”)
Distortions: Producing a sound in an unclear or imprecise way (e.g., a slushy /s/)
Persistent Errors: Continuing to make sound errors beyond the expected developmental age

Why Early Intervention Matters

Untreated articulation difficulties can lead to:

Reduced confidence in speaking situations
Frustration during social interactions
Difficulty with reading and writing due to weak phonemic awareness
Challenges in academic settings, especially with oral presentations and peer communication

Assessment & Therapy Approach

At Goshen Speech & Hearing Center, we begin with a comprehensive evaluation using:

Standardized articulation assessments
Speech sound inventories
Oral motor exams (when appropriate)

Based on the findings, we create an individualized therapy plan focused on:

Correct Sound Production
Placement Cues & Motor Planning Strategies
Auditory Discrimination Training (hearing the difference between correct and incorrect sounds)
Repetition and Modeling in Structured & Play-Based Contexts

We use engaging activities that are fun, motivating, and developmentally appropriate to help you or your child practice target sounds in words, phrases, and conversational speech.

Parent & Caregiver Involvement

Families are an essential part of therapy success. We provide:

Home practice materials tailored to each need
Coaching on how to model and reinforce correct sounds in daily routines
Regular updates on progress and strategies for continued carryover at home

Speech should not hold you or your child back.

If you’re concerned about your child’s speech clarity, call us today at (845) 360-9323 or click below to schedule an evaluation.