Lisping is a common speech disorder that can affect individuals of all ages. Characterized by
the incorrect production of sibilant sounds like /s/ and /z/, a lisp can impact clear communication and self-esteem.
Speech therapy offers a structured approach to addressing and correcting this issue, ensuring better articulation and confidence in speaking. In this article, we’ll explore the types of lisps, their impacts, and how speech therapy can help in correcting them.
In this article we will discuss:
Understanding the Types of Lisps
Lisps are generally categorized into four main types, each with unique characteristics and
challenges. Understanding these types is essential for identifying the specific nature of the
speech disorder and tailoring appropriate therapy techniques.
● Interdental Lisp: An interdental lisp occurs when the tongue protrudes between the
front teeth, producing a "th" sound instead of an /s/ or /z/ sound. This is the most
common type of lisp, often seen in young children.
● Dental Lisp: A dental lisp happens when the tongue pushes against the front teeth,
causing a distorted /s/ or /z/ sound. This type can often be corrected with targeted
speech therapy techniques.
● Lateral Lisp: In a lateral lisp, air flows over the sides of the tongue instead of down the
middle, creating a slushy sound. This type is less common and typically requires more
intensive therapy.
● Palatal Lisp: A palatal lisp occurs when the tongue touches the roof of the mouth (the
palate) while attempting to produce /s/ or /z/ sounds. This type can be challenging to
correct without professional help.
Exploring the Impact of Lisps on Daily Life
The impact of a lisp can spread much further than difficulty with clear speech, often influencing both personal and professional aspects. Recognizing these impacts emphasizes the importance of seeking timely and effective correction.
● Social and Emotional Effects: Individuals with lisps often face social challenges,
including teasing and bullying, which can lead to embarrassment and social withdrawal.
The emotional toll can be significant, affecting self-esteem and confidence.
● Communication Challenges: Clear communication is vital in everyday interactions. A
lisp can make it difficult to be understood, leading to frustration and avoidance of
speaking situations. This can hinder academic and professional success.
● Self-Esteem and Confidence: Persistent speech issues can erode an individual’s
self-confidence, making them less likely to participate in social or public speaking events.
Addressing a lisp through speech therapy can restore confidence and improve quality of
life.
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Exploring Speech Therapy Methods for Lisp Correction
Speech therapy is a proven method for correcting lisps, employing various techniques tailored to the individual's needs. Early intervention is crucial for the best outcomes, but therapy can be effective at any age.
Depending on the nature of your lisp, your speech-language pathologist (SLP) will create a
tailored plan, which may include the following therapies:
● Articulation therapy
● Phonetic placement therapy
● Auditory discrimination
● Oral motor exercises
Articulation Therapy
Articulation therapy focuses on improving the way sounds are produced. This is particularly
useful for correcting lisps, where specific sounds are misarticulated. Exercises include:
● Sound Isolation: Practicing individual sounds in isolation before combining them with
other sounds or words.
● Sound Repetition: Repeating sounds in various contexts to ensure correct production.
● Sound Blending: Gradually blending sounds into syllables and words.
Regular practice and consistency help reinforce correct sound production. Receiving immediate and specific feedback from a speech therapist helps individuals make necessary adjustments and improve faster.
Phonetic Placement Therapy
Phonetic placement therapy teaches individuals the correct placement and movement of the
tongue, lips, and other articulators to produce specific sounds. Techniques used include:
● Mirror Work: Using a mirror to observe and adjust tongue and lip movements.
● Tactile Cues: Utilizing physical prompts to guide correct placement.
● Visual Aids: Diagrams and videos that show correct tongue and lip positions.
Continuous practice and reinforcement are vital for mastering these techniques, often including home exercises and regular follow-up sessions. Phonetic placement therapy is effective in correcting lisps by focusing on the precise physical movements required for accurate sound production.
Auditory Discrimination
Auditory discrimination involves the ability to hear and distinguish between different sounds,
which is essential for correct speech production. Listening exercises help improve auditory
discrimination, such as:
● Sound Identification: Listening to and identifying specific sounds.
● Sound Differentiation: Comparing and contrasting similar sounds.
● Sound Matching: Matching sounds with their corresponding letters or words.
Games and activities that involve listening and responding to sounds make practice engaging and effective. Improving auditory discrimination helps individuals recognize incorrect sound production and make necessary adjustments, supporting overall speech clarity and being a key component of lisp correction.
Oral Motor Exercises
Oral motor exercises strengthen the muscles involved in speech, improving overall articulation and clarity. Common exercises include:
● Tongue Twisters: Practicing challenging phrases to improve tongue agility.
● Blowing and Sucking: Using straws or other tools to strengthen lip and cheek muscles.
● Lip and Tongue Stretches: Stretching exercises to increase flexibility and control.
Regularly incorporating these exercises into a daily routine ensures consistent improvement and reinforces muscle memory. Oral motor exercises are an integral part of speech therapy,
providing the physical foundation needed for effective lisp correction.
Supporting Lisp Correction with At-Home Exercises
Practicing speech exercises at home is crucial for reinforcing therapy sessions and ensuring
consistent progress. To make practice effective, set a regular schedule and dedicate specific
times each day for practice.
Creating a positive environment that is encouraging and stress-free can also enhance practice sessions. For example, incorporating engaging activities such as games, stories, and other fun activities can make practice enjoyable.
Monitoring progress by keeping track of improvements and challenges also helps maintain
motivation and provides valuable feedback for the therapist. Family members can provide
valuable support in this process, making practice more effective and consistent.
Navigating Speech Therapy for Lisp Correction
If you or someone you know is struggling with a lisp, early intervention is crucial to achieving the best possible outcome. Fortunately, with online speech therapy at Better Speech, you can get started on your journey to clear communication in three simple steps:
● Initial assessment and diagnosis
● Customized treatment plans
● Regular therapy sessions
Initial Assessment and Diagnosis
The first step in speech therapy is a thorough assessment to diagnose the type and severity of the lisp. This may involve listening to the individual's speech, observing tongue and lip
movements, and conducting standardized tests.
Customized Treatment Plans
Based on the assessment, a speech therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan outlines specific goals, techniques, and exercises tailored to address the individual's unique speech issues.
Regular Therapy Sessions
Consistent therapy sessions are essential for progress. These sessions typically involve
practicing various speech exercises, receiving feedback, and making adjustments as needed.
The frequency and duration of therapy will depend on the severity of the lisp and the individual's progress.
Getting Started with Better Speech
Better Speech provides a structured and supportive digital environment for individuals to
improve their speech, fostering better communication and increased confidence. To get started on your journey to better speech, get in touch with our team today!
Our team of over 250 licensed speech-language pathologists will be with you every step of the way, providing the guidance and support needed to achieve your goals—all from the comfort of your home. Don’t wait to make a difference in your life or the life of a loved one.
Are you ready to start your journey with Better Speech? Request a free evaluation today, and get started with your journey to Better Speech. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common causes of a lisp?
Lisps can be caused by various factors including developmental delays, hearing loss, tongue tie, or habits such as thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use. Some lisps have no clear cause and may develop naturally.
Can adults benefit from speech therapy for a lisp?
How long does it typically take to correct a lisp with speech therapy?
Is online speech therapy as effective as in-person for lisp correction?
Are there any preventive measures to avoid developing a lisp?
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.
