A lisp is a speech disorder that affects the way a person produces certain sounds, most
commonly the "s" and "z" sounds. While lisps are often seen in young children as part of normal speech development, they can persist into adulthood if not addressed.
Understanding how a lisp affects speech is crucial for recognizing the need for intervention and seeking appropriate treatment. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of lisps, their impact on speech, the developmental and psychological effects, diagnostic methods, and treatment options.
In this article we will discuss:
What is a Lisp?
A lisp is a speech disorder characterized by the incorrect production of certain sounds. There
are several types of lisps, each affecting speech in unique ways:
● Frontal Lisp: This is the most common type, where the tongue protrudes between the
front teeth during the production of "s" and "z" sounds, resulting in a "th" sound. For
example, "sun" may be pronounced as "thun."
● Lateral Lisp: In this type, air escapes over the sides of the tongue during speech,
causing a slushy sound, especially with "s," "z," "sh," and "zh" sounds.
● Palatal Lisp: This occurs when the tongue touches the roof of the mouth (palate) while
making "s" and "z" sounds.
● Dental Lisp: The tongue pushes against the front teeth, distorting the "s" and "z"
sounds.
Lisps can be caused by various factors, including developmental issues, anatomical differences (like tongue thrust), and habits such as thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use.
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How Does Speech Production Work?
To understand how a lisp affects speech, it's important to know how speech is produced.
Speech production involves several coordinated processes:
● Articulation: The movement of the tongue, lips, teeth, and palate to produce sounds.
● Phonation: The vibration of the vocal cords to create sound.
● Resonance: The shaping of sound as it passes through the throat, mouth, and nose.
The tongue, teeth, and lips all play crucial roles in producing sounds. For instance, the "s" sound requires the tongue to be close to the roof of the mouth without touching it, creating a narrow passage for air to flow through.
How Does a Lisp Affect Speech?
Each type of lisp affects speech sounds differently, creating unique challenges for individuals. This variance underscores the importance of seeking a thorough evaluation, ensuring your treatment is targeting the correct issue:
Frontal Lisp
A frontal lisp is characterized by the tongue protruding between the front teeth, causing "s" and "z" sounds to be produced as "th" sounds. For example, instead of saying "sun," a person with a frontal lisp might say "thun." This alteration happens because the tongue placement changes the airflow, causing the sound to be produced at a different location in the mouth. This can make speech sound less crisp and clear.
Lateral Lisp
In the case of a lateral lisp, air escapes over the sides of the tongue, making "s," "z," "sh," and "zh" sounds slushy or wet. This occurs because the tongue is not properly channeling the air down the center of the mouth, leading to a leakage of air at the sides. For example, the word "sun" might sound like "shun" or "chun." This type of lisp can be particularly noticeable and can affect a broader range of sounds than a frontal lisp.
Palatal Lisp
A palatal lisp involves the tongue touching the roof of the mouth, distorting "s" and "z" sounds. For example, instead of saying "sun," a person might produce a sound closer to "shun." The palatal placement changes the sound's resonance and articulation point, making it sound muffled or less distinct.
Dental Lisp
A dental lisp is characterized by the tongue pushing against the front teeth, causing "s" and "z" sounds to be muffled or distorted. This tongue placement alters the airflow and contact points needed to produce clear "s" and "z" sounds. For example, "sun" might sound like "thun," similar to a frontal lisp but caused by a different tongue position.
How Does a Lisp Impact Development?
The impact of lisps stretches much further than just speech. Lisps are common in young
children and often resolve naturally by age 5. However, if a lisp persists beyond this age, it may be considered a speech disorder requiring intervention.
Untreated, children with lisps may experience social and emotional effects, such as teasing or bullying, which can lead to social anxiety and low self-esteem. They might avoid speaking in front of others or participating in activities that require verbal communication, impacting their social development.
Furthermore, a lisp can affect a child's communication skills. Clear speech is crucial for effective communication, and difficulties in this area can hinder a child's ability to express themselves, understand others, and engage in academic tasks. This can lead to challenges in learning, participation in class discussions, and building relationships with peers.
How Do You Treat a Lisp?
While lisps can present a number of challenges, there are a few treatment methods to
overcome them. Treatment for a lisp typically involves speech therapy, which includes various exercises and techniques designed to improve speech production.
Articulation exercises help the child learn to produce sounds correctly. For example, practicing the "s" sound with the tongue positioned correctly can help eliminate the lisp. These exercises often involve repetitive practice and gradual progression from isolated sounds to words, sentences, and conversational speech.
Strengthening and coordination exercises improve the strength and coordination of the speech muscles. These exercises can include activities like blowing bubbles or using a straw to enhance tongue and lip strength and control.
Biofeedback methods, such as using a mirror to visually monitor tongue placement, can be
highly effective. This technique allows the individual to see their tongue position and make
adjustments in real time, reinforcing correct articulation patterns.
Parental involvement is crucial in supporting therapy. Practicing exercises at home and
providing positive reinforcement can enhance progress. Parents can encourage their children by creating a supportive and motivating environment, making the practice enjoyable and rewarding.
Getting Started with Speech Therapy for Lisps
If you or someone you know is struggling with a lisp, it’s important to seek help quickly. By
taking advantage of early intervention, you can maximize the effectiveness of treatment and
minimize the consequences of an untreated lisp.
To get started on your journey to clear and effective communication, get in touch with our team at Better Speech. With our online speech therapy, you’ll gain access to the expertise of over 250 licensed speech-language pathologists, ready to help you overcome your lisp. Get in touch with an expert at Better Speech to schedule a consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can adults develop a lisp later in life, or is it only a childhood issue?
While lisps commonly appear in childhood, adults can also develop them due to factors like dental issues, neurological conditions, or habits that alter speech production.
Are lisps hereditary?
Can a lisp affect other aspects of oral health?
How can I tell if my child’s lisp requires professional intervention?
Can lisps be corrected without professional speech therapy?
About the Author
Aycen Zambuto
I’m a seasoned educator in speech therapy with over six years of experience helping people navigate challenges in communication. Throughout this time, I’ve found joy in guiding individuals through a variety of therapeutic journeys, from toddlers with apraxia to seniors with dysphonia.
I’m passionate about demystifying this complex world of speech therapy and helping readers around the globe achieve clear and effective communication. When I’m not writing about speech, you’ll often find me reading, traveling or spending time with friends and family.
