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Speech Problems...when to treat?

tiannaleetiannalee
in Toddlers: 24 Months+

My son is 2 years and 9 months old and he has a lisp with s words and sounds.  He doesn't do it all the time but does more often than not.  I am just wondering at what age is it appropriate to see a speech therapist or is it something DH and I could fix on our own?  DH thinks it is too early and that he will grow out of it but I want to address it now before it becomes harder for him to stop. 

Any help truly appreciated.

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Re: Speech Problems...when to treat?

  • MaxandRubyMaxandRuby member
    You can always get him evaluated by a speech therapist (EI or private). They'll tell you if he qualifies and should give you ideas of how to help him even at the evaluation. One of my friend's daughters has speech therapy through the school system (EI is up to age 3) and it is mainly for pronunciation issues. I had speech therapy in elementary school because my "r" would come out like a "w".
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  • Shell24Shell24 member

    I always say it's better to start early.  What if he doesn't grow out of it?  

    My DD didn't have the 5 words they look for at 18 months.  We got the number for EI even though our pedi didn't recommend taking action until 2 years. I'm glad we called when we did.  I obviously don't know if she'd be speaking the way she is if we hadn't intervened, but she made leaps and bounds in just a few months.  

    It never hurts to get an evaluation.  I didn't think my DD would be delayed enough to qualify, but she did.  If the help is there, why not utilize it?  

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  • PolofskyPolofsky member

    Both of mine have been in speech therapy for 3 months due to a speech delay. Now that he's finally started talking a little, DS has a lisp but my speech therpist isn't worried.

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  • SailorGraySailorGray member
    If you are concerned, get an evaluation. It never hurts.  They may even say that your LO doesn't need therapy, but give you some things to work on at home. DS was just evaluated this week (he will be 3 in August) and will start therapy once it is approved by insurance.  He has ENT issues, though, and that really messed with his speech. He knows a lot of words. He just doesn't say them right. We are nipping in the bud now.
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  • MammaBear81MammaBear81 member

    My two older boys have had speech therapy (huge speech delay), but DD1 only has a lisp.  It is typical for kids to have a slight lisp at this age (3 1/2), and grow out of it around kindergarten.  DD1 talks circles around everyone so she wouldn't qualify to ST.  If your LO is on target for speech besides the lisp, I don't think he would qualify.  You can always get an evaluation, so it doesn't hurt to just do it.  From what I know about the regulations (at least in NY) they have become much more strict about what qualifies for a speech delay.

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  • Kingston54Kingston54 member
    If you think he has a problem, you should have him seen right away.  The earlier a problem is caught the easier it will be to remediate.  Your pedi should be able to steer you in the right direction.
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  • susanmosleysusanmosley member
    A lisp is appropriate at your son's age.  Many many kids have them and often they resolve on their own.  Sometimes they won't (I'm confident my 3 year old's won't), but this isn't a sound error that will be worth addressing at 2 or 3 or 4 or maybe not even 5.  Nor is there really anything you can do right now for it, assuming he isn't sucking his thumb or a pacifier which could produce an open bite and exacerbate the frontal tongue placement.  FWIW, I'm a speech therapist.  
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  • babyboys123babyboys123
    we started at 15 months. Have him evaluated by your local EI.. its free until hes 3.. So you dont have much time left. Alos, when i taught pre school I had a child with a  lisp. There are many exersizing you can be doing at home... just google.. Also, yes, a lot of kids will outgrow a lisp :)
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