When learning to talk, it’s extremely common for children to say certain sounds the wrong way. Some sounds are easy, like p, m or w, while others are more difficult, like z, v, or th.
Below is a chart to show typical speech sound development:
- 3 months – makes cooing noises.
- 5 months – laughs and makes playful sounds.
- 6 months – babbles and makes sounds like puh, mi and da.
- 1 year – babbles with longer strings of sounds like mimi, baba and upup.
- 3 years – uses m, h, w, p, b, t, d, k, g and f
- 4 years – uses y and v in words, but may have difficulty with s, sh, ch, j, th, z, l and r.
There are many possible causes of speech sound disorders in children. The following are most common:
- Developmental disorders.
- Genetic syndromes.
- Hearing loss.
- Brain damage from injury or conditions like cerebral palsy.
An SLP can test your child for a speech sound disorder. Speech therapy with an SLP can help your child learn the correct way to make sounds.
Call Topeka ENT at 785-233-0500 for more information or to schedule an appointment.