What Is a Lisp?
A lisp is a type of speech sound difficulty that affects how certain sounds are pronounced.
These sounds include:
- “s” as in sun
- “z” as in zoo
- “sh” as in ship
- “ch” as in chin
- “j” as in jumper
- “zh” as in measure
These are called sibilant sounds, and they require the tongue to sit just behind the front teeth, with air flowing straight down the middle. If the tongue position or airflow isn’t quite right, it can cause the sound to come out distorted. This is what we call a lisp.
What Are the Different Types of Lisps?
There are four common types of lisps in children. Each type relates to how the tongue moves or where it sits when making speech sounds:
- Interdental Lisp: The tongue pokes between the front teeth. “S” and “z” may sound like “th.”
- Dentalised Lisp: The tongue pushes against the front teeth, distorting the sound.
- Lateral Lisp: Air escapes over the sides of the tongue, often making speech sound slushy or wet.
- Palatal Lisp: The tongue touches the hard palate (roof of the mouth), changing where the sound is made.
Identifying the specific type of lisp helps guide effective speech therapy for kids.
What Are the Signs of a Lisp?
Some children with lisps speak clearly in short words but struggle in longer sentences. Others are harder to understand across all settings.
You might notice:
- “S” or “z” sounds that come out like “th”
- Speech that sounds slushy, unclear, or wet
- Distorted “sh,” “ch,” or “j” sounds
- Speech that’s hard to understand, especially for unfamiliar people
- Frustration when trying to talk
- Avoiding certain words or sounds
- Becoming self-conscious about how they sound
While a lisp might seem “cute” in younger children, it can impact confidence and communication as they grow.
What Causes a Lisp?
There’s no single cause for a lisp in children, but it can be linked to a few different factors:
- Differences in motor planning or tongue coordination
- A family history of speech and language difficulties
- Oral habits in early childhood (like thumb sucking or dummy use in some cases)
- Co-occurring speech delays or other developmental differences
What’s most important:
- A lisp is not caused by anything you did wrong
- Many children benefit from support to change the speech pattern
- With help, lisps can improve and confident communication can grow
How Will Working on a Lisp Help My Child?
Clear speech helps your child:
- Be understood at home, school, and in social settings
- Feel more confident speaking in groups or trying new words
- Reduce frustration and communicate their ideas more easily
- Build stronger literacy and learning foundations
While a lisp doesn’t affect intelligence, it can affect how a child is heard, and how they feel about speaking up. As they grow, it may impact how easily they’re understood, their confidence in social settings, and their self-esteem.
When Should You Treat a Lisp?
Most children learn to say “s” and “z” clearly by around 4 years of age. If your child is older than this and still has a lisp, it may be time to check in.
You may want to seek help if your child:
- Is school-aged and still lisping
- Is feeling frustrated or self-conscious
- Is being misunderstood by peers or teachers
Because a lisp is a motor pattern, it can become harder to change the longer it’s in place. The sooner we help your child build a new speech pattern, the easier it is to establish and the quicker they can start communicating with confidence. That’s why early support matters.
Lisp:
Facts vs Myths
Myth:
“My child isn’t 4 yet. Doesn’t that mean it’s too early to work on a lisp?”
Fact:
While some lisps resolve naturally in very young children, others don’t. If your child is already using a strong lisp pattern, early support can make it easier to change before the habit becomes more ingrained. A speech pathologist can help you decide if it’s time to start.
Myth:
“A lisp is just a minor issue. It won’t really affect my child.”
Fact:
A lisp might seem harmless, but it can affect how clearly your child is understood, especially as they get older. It can impact confidence, social interactions, and even learning. Speech therapy for lisps can help build clear, confident communication early on.
Myth:
“Lisps are cute — why should I change it?”
Fact:
While a lisp might seem endearing in the early years, it can become harder to change over time and may start to affect a child’s confidence, clarity, and communication as they grow. Early intervention supports more efficient change and reduces the risk of long-term impacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all children with a lisp need speech therapy?
Not always. Some mild lisps in very young children resolve naturally. But if your child is over 4, is already using a strong lisp pattern, feels self-conscious, or is being misunderstood, it’s worth booking an assessment.
When should a child stop lisping?
By around 4 years, children should typically be producing “s” and “z” sounds clearly. If a lisp is still present after 4 years of age, it is worth booking in for an assessment.
How often will my child need therapy?
Most children attend weekly sessions, especially if the lisp has been present for some time. Home practice is also key to success.
Our therapy services focus on
Your speech pathologist can help guide you with strategies that suit your child’s needs and fit easily into your daily life.
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