SPEECH SOUND DISORDERS

Unlock Clear and Confident Speech

You might be wondering:

  • Are these errors typical for their age?

  • Will they outgrow this on their own?

  • How can I help my child speak clearly?

Mispronunciations or difficulty producing certain sounds can leave children frustrated and parents worried.

Is your child struggling to be understood by others?

You’re not alone. At Rocky View Speech Therapy, we understand how important clear communication is for your child’s confidence and social success. With the right support, your child can overcome speech challenges and thrive.

What Are Speech Sound Disorders?

Speech sound disorders occur when a child has trouble producing sounds correctly. These challenges may involve:

  • Articulation disorders: Difficulty with the physical production of specific sounds (e.g., substituting “w” for “r” or lisping).

  • Phonological disorders: Difficulty understanding and applying the rules of sound patterns, such as consistently replacing certain sounds (e.g., saying “tat” for “cat”).

While these issues can vary in severity, they often affect how well others understand your child’s speech.

Key Milestones for Speech Development

Understanding developmental milestones helps identify potential concerns. If your child’s speech is difficult to understand or doesn’t align with these milestones, it may be time to seek support.

By 3 Years:

  • Speech is mostly understood by familiar listeners.

  • Produces sounds like p, b, m, and w correctly.

By 4 Years:

  • Produces most consonants but may still have trouble with some complex sounds like "th" or "s."

  • Speech is understood by strangers most of the time.

By 5 Years:

  • Speech is clear to unfamiliar listeners.

  • Produces nearly all sounds correctly, including blends like "bl" and "sp."

How We Support Your Family

At Rocky View Speech Therapy, we provide personalized strategies to improve your child’s speech.

Our approach includes:

  • Thorough Assessments: We identify specific articulation errors and phonological patterns through detailed evaluations.

  • Engaging Activities: Therapy sessions use games and playful techniques to keep children motivated while practicing sounds.

  • Parent Coaching: We empower families with practical tips to reinforce progress at home and support their child’s communication journey.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Articulation and phonological challenges rarely resolve without intervention and can impact self-esteem, social interactions, and literacy development. Research shows that addressing these difficulties early leads to faster and more lasting progress.

What Happens in Therapy Sessions?

Each therapy session is tailored to your child’s unique needs. Activities may include:

Interactive Play
Toys, games, and activities to encourage new sounds and words.

Sound Focused Exercises
Fun, sound-focused exercises to practice specific articulation and phonological targets.

Modeling Language
Modeling and feedback to help parents integrate speech practice into daily routines.

Encouraging Games
Games that encourage correct sound production during natural interactions.

Why Families Choose Rocky View Speech Therapy

At Rocky View Speech Therapy, we focus on empowering families with the tools and strategies to foster growth.

Families trust us because:

  • Expertise You Can Rely On: Our SLPs specialize in treating both articulation and phonological disorders.

  • Family-Centred Care: We involve parents at every step, ensuring you feel confident supporting your child’s progress.

  • Convenience and Comfort: Sessions are held in your home or virtually, making therapy accessible and stress-free.

FAQs About Speech Sound Disorders

Q: Will my child outgrow their speech sound issues?

While some sound errors are typical at certain ages, persistent articulation or phonological challenges often require support to resolve. Early assessment helps clarify the best course of action.

Q: How long does therapy take?

The duration depends on the severity of the challenges, but many children begin making noticeable progress within a few months of consistent therapy.

Take the First Step Today

Supporting your child’s communication journey starts with understanding their unique needs. With the right guidance, late talkers can thrive and gain the confidence to express themselves.

Contact us today to schedule a first session and learn how Rocky View Speech Therapy can help your child unlock their potential.