SPEECH
Speech is how we use sounds to communicate with others. Developing clear speech involves learning how to produce individual sounds, understand the sound patterns of our language, and coordinate the movements needed for talking.
Some children have difficulty developing these skills, which can make their speech harder for others to understand.
Speech difficulties can involve:
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Articulation: Difficulty physically producing certain speech sounds, such as a lisp or difficulty saying the /r/ sound.
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Phonology: Difficulty learning and using the sound patterns of language. For example, a child might say "tat" instead of "cat" or leave sounds off the ends of words.
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Motor speech: Difficulty planning, coordinating or controlling the movements needed for speech. This can occur in conditions such as childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) or dysarthria.
Speech difficulties can vary from mild difficulties with individual sounds to more significant challenges that affect how easily a child is understood.
How Speech Pathologists Can Help
Speech pathologists diagnose and treat speech difficulties in children. Therapy begins with a thorough assessment to determine:
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Which sounds a child has difficulty producing
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What type of speech disorder may be present (e.g., articulation difficulty, phonological delay, or childhood apraxia of speech)
In some cases, children may have difficulty with motor planning for speech - this means the brain struggles to coordinate the movements needed to say sounds and words accurately. This is seen in children with childhood apraxia of speech.
Based on these insights, we create a personalised therapy plan, which may include:
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Articulation therapy – helping a child learn to make specific sounds correctly
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Phonological intervention – targeting patterns of sound errors to improve overall speech clarity
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Motor-based approaches – supporting the development of accurate and consistent speech movements
Our Therapy Approach
In our sessions, children practice speech sounds through fun, engaging activities and games. We provide:
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Constructive feedback to help children refine their sounds
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Positive reinforcement to build confidence and motivation
We also work closely with parents, offering practical guidance on activities that can be done at home to reinforce new skills in everyday situations.
Empowering Clear and Confident Communication
With the right support, children can overcome speech difficulties. Our goal is to help every child communicate more clearly and confidently — so they can express themselves, be understood, and connect with others.