Articulation
Articulation involves accuracy of placement of the lips, tongue, jaw and airflow for speech sound production. Articulation is the way sounds are formed.
Articulation Delay
An articulation delay means there is difficulty with the clarity of speech sounds that affects the overall understanding of speech. As children develop, sometimes they naturally have problems producing certain sounds, making their speech difficult to understand and unclear. Although it is normal for children to make mistakes as they learn to speak, consistent articulation difficulties that continue past certain age ranges require assessment and potential treatment. This is especially important when it is increasingly hard for the child to be understood by parents and peers.
​
An articulatory delay is different than sound patterns common to a specific dialect. If a Caribbean child says, "di" for "the" or a south-east Asian child says, "ve" for "we" these are dialectal variations. We don’t want to qualify a child or focus on a goal that is solely related to dialect. We would focus efforts on raising awareness about what is known as code-switching.
Common articulation errors
Target Child Wants To Say | Actual Word Said |
|---|---|
red | wed |
play | pway |
glue | galue |
light | wight |
Articulation disorder
An articulation disorder means there are incorrect productions of speech sounds as a result of a difficulty in the discrimination, timing, placement, speed or direction of the lips, tongue, jaw and airflow.
​
A thorough articulation assessment and tailored treatment goals will be provided to meet your child’s needs. If you are concerned that your child may have articulation or clarity difficulties, an assessment by an Onyx practitioner is recommended.
​
During our initial consultation, we will assess your child's speech development and identify any areas of concern. From there, we will work with you and your child to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their unique needs and goals. Our approach is evidence-based and culturally responsive, taking into account your child's language and cultural background.
Family-centered approach
We understand the importance of family involvement in a child's speech development. Our team is committed to building strong relationships with our clients and their families, to work alongside you in reaching their goals.
​
If you suspect your child has an articulation delay, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team. Let us help your child communicate with clarity and confidence, while providing a safe and inclusive space where they can thrive.
