“How do you help a teenager with a speech delay?”

Helping a teenager with a speech delay, such as a small lisp, can involve various strategies and approaches. Here are some general suggestions that may be beneficial:

1. Consult a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP): It is advisable to seek the expertise of a qualified SLP who specializes in speech and language disorders. We can assess your son's specific speech patterns, identify the underlying causes of the lisp, and develop a targeted treatment plan tailored to his needs.

2. Speech Therapy: A speech-language pathologist can provide structured speech therapy sessions to address the lisp. Therapy may include specific exercises and techniques to target the sounds associated with the lisp, such as practicing correct tongue placement and airflow during speech production. The SLP will guide your son through these exercises and provide feedback to help him improve his articulation.

3. Practice and Reinforcement: Encourage your son to practice speech exercises and techniques regularly at home. Consistent practice is vital for reinforcing new speech patterns and achieving progress. Provide positive reinforcement and support during practice sessions to keep your son motivated and engaged.

4. Communication Strategies: In addition to speech therapy, an SLP can help your son develop effective compensatory strategies to minimize the impact of the lisp in daily communication. These strategies may include emphasizing specific sounds, adjusting speaking rate, and using appropriate breath control while speaking.

5. Education and Awareness: Help your son understand his speech delay and the strategies being implemented to address it. Educating him about the nature of his lisp can reduce self-consciousness and foster a positive attitude towards therapy. Encourage open communication and create a supportive environment where he feels comfortable discussing his concerns.

6. Peer Support: Encourage your son to participate in activities or support groups where he can interact with peers who may have similar experiences. Connecting with others who have faced similar challenges can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging.

7. Patience and Encouragement: Understand that progress may take time, and setbacks can occur. Encourage your son to persevere and remain patient throughout the process. Offer praise and positive reinforcement for his efforts and improvements to boost his confidence.

Remember, each teenager's situation is unique, and the guidance of a qualified speech-language pathologist is crucial for designing an individualized treatment plan. We can provide specific strategies and techniques tailored to your son's needs and monitor his progress over time.

So at 16, it's no longer considered a delay but rather a disorder. I would recommend seeing a speech-language pathologist that specializes in myofunctional therapy to address the lisp.

Provide speech therapy. Simple. At any age.

Speech delay" is not specific. You need to ask the doctor for a prescription order for speech therapy evaluation or a referral for a speech pathology consult and you need to get an assessment from a speech language pathologist and work with that professional on your teen's needs. Intervention is key to getting strategies to work on the lisp, so don't stop asking until you get a doctor to write you a referral order for speech therapy evaluation.

Your child can qualify for services through their school for free. If not, you can find a Speech Pathologist near you who can treat the lisp at ASHA.org/findpro. Click "find a Speech Language Pathologist."

Good luck!

Karen Young, MS CCC-SLP

It requires the help of a Speech Language Pathologist. The SLP will evaluate and make recommendations.