Speech therapy for kids: help with speech sounds
Concerned about your child’s pronunciation? A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can evaluate their speech and help your family understand the next steps. Here is how to seek support in the United States and use home activities alongside professional guidance.
Understanding speech sound disorders
Children develop speech sounds over time. Persistent difficulty making sounds or being understood may be called a speech sound disorder, including articulation and phonological disorders. A child may replace, leave out or add sounds. An SLP can evaluate speech and language skills and consider whether a hearing check is needed. Differences associated with a child’s accent, dialect or languages are not, by themselves, a speech disorder.
More information: ASHA / CHSA: speech sound disorders.
When should I ask for help?
If you are concerned about your child’s speech, talk to a speech-language pathologist or your pediatrician. An evaluation can help identify the support your child needs. Do not wait for a home practice program to determine whether to seek professional help.
How can my child get speech therapy in the US?
For a child under 3, contact your state or territory’s early intervention program to request an evaluation. A doctor’s referral is not required. For children ages 3 and older, contact your local public elementary school or school district about an evaluation, even if your child is not enrolled there. Eligibility depends on the evaluation and the program’s criteria. For private care, ask the provider about evaluation, fees and any insurance or referral requirements.
Supporting speech and language at home
Read together, talk about pictures and everyday activities, and give your child time to respond. Build on what they say and use the languages your family feels comfortable speaking. These everyday communication activities are different from individualized speech treatment. If an SLP has recommended practice, ask which sounds and words to use and how to work on them at home.
Ideas for everyday communication: ASHA / CHSA: tips for your child’s speech and language development.
Brave Fox activities while you wait
Brave Fox provides digital games, exercises and stories to explore together at home, while waiting for speech therapy or alongside ongoing support. The practice plan takes account of your child’s age, gender, interests and chosen speech sound. It does not provide appointments, assess your child’s speech or replace advice from a speech-language pathologist.
US guidance on requesting an evaluation: CDC: early intervention and school-based evaluation.