Articulation disorders are speech sound errors, usually characterized by substituting one sound for another or distorting a sound. These errors may occur during the production of isolated speech sounds (phonemes) and at the syllable and word levels as well.
The following are a few examples of an articulatory disorder:
- Frontal and lateral lisps /s, z/
- Substituting /w/ for /r/ (wabbit for rabbit)
- Substituting /w/ or the "y" sound for /l/ (wike for like)
• Weak or imprecise isolated production of consonants or vowels may be due to dysarthria, generalized oral/facial muscle weakness. The speed, strength, and accuracy of articulatory movement is compromised. Dysarthric speech sounds weak, “mushy,” garbled or imprecise. Children with dysarthria usually have early sucking, chewing, and possibly swallowing difficulties. They will need oral-motor strengthening exercises and respiratory support activities. |
