Understanding Persistent Speech Sound Disorders
How We Support Children with Sound Difficulties
At Jordan Speech-Language Therapy in Chicago, IL, we often work with children who have trouble with certain speech sounds that stick around longer than expected. One of the most common tricky sounds is /R/. While many kids learn to say this sound clearly by age 6, some need a little extra help—and that’s totally okay! Difficulties with speech sounds can sometimes make it harder for kids to express themselves or feel confident when talking. That’s why we take a personalized approach, making sure each child gets the support that works best for them.
What Is a Persistent Speech Sound Disorder?
A persistent speech sound disorder refers to a condition where a child continues to struggle with specific speech sounds beyond the expected age. For example, a child may have difficulty producing the /r/ sound during their school years, which can affect how they communicate with peers and teachers.
Why Is the /R/ Sound So Difficult for Children?
The /r/ sound is one of the most challenging sounds for many children because it requires precise tongue placement. In other words, it's a complex task for your mouth! Unlike simpler speech sounds, producing a clear and accurate /r/ requires more practice, which can make it harder for some children. However, with the support of a speech-language therapist, we can help build strength and confidence in children who are working on this sound.
When should you adjust the approach for /R/ sound therapy?
If you’re hearing your child’s /r/ sound error persistently, we may need to adapt our therapy methods to best meet their needs. Below, we’ll dive into our specific approach, but this information is also helpful regardless of who you and your child are working with. Here are three things we recommend as a parent:
Acknowledge the Different Learning Styles
Every child has a unique learning style. Some children thrive with hands-on techniques, while others benefit from visual cues or sensory support. If you’re working with a therapist for the first time, or making adjustments to the plan, communicate how your child has learned new things in the past. At Jordan Speech-Language Therapy, we customize our approach to fit each child’s needs, incorporating input from parents and caregivers.
Co-Occurring Issues
Sometimes, oral motor difficulties or other factors can impact a child's ability to produce sounds correctly. We are experts in identifying these issues and tailor our therapy plan to address them and provide comprehensive support. We also collaborate with other providers who may need to offer additional support.
Learn to Keep Them Engaged
Therapy and practice at home or school should be fun and motivating! If a child becomes frustrated or loses interest, let us know. Keeping the activities fresh and exciting not only helps children enjoy the experience but also aids in their progress. We adjust activities to maintain engagement and foster effective progress. We also want to celebrate achievements and provide support when frustration arises.
How do you help children with the /R/ sound?
At Jordan Speech-Language Therapy, we help children master the /r/ sound using approaches that are both personalized and backed by research. Every child learns differently, so we use a variety of proven strategies to find what works best for each individual. Here are some of the ways we support kids working on /r/:
Helping Kids Feel How to Make the Sound
We use mirrors, visual cues, and fun tools to show kids how their tongue and mouth should move. These hands-on strategies are especially helpful for tricky sounds like /r/ that you can’t always see just by watching someone talk.Real-Life Practice
We practice the /r/ sound in real-world contexts, such as words and sentences, to help children use it naturally in everyday conversations.Positive and Encouraging Feedback
We provide supportive feedback to motivate children and celebrate their progress, no matter how small.Fun and Play-Based Therapy
At Jordan Speech-Language Therapy, we believe that therapy is most effective when it’s enjoyable. We incorporate games and activities to keep children engaged and excited about improving their speech.
Every Child Progresses at Their Own Pace
It’s important to remember that each child’s journey in mastering the /r/ sound is unique. Some children may progress quickly, while others need more time and support. If you’re concerned about your child’s speech development, we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Contact us at Jordan Speech-Language Therapy today to learn more about how our specialized speech therapy services in Chicago can help your child develop the confidence and skills to communicate clearly and effectively!