Speech Sound Development – When Mispronunciations Are Normal and When to Get Support

claire2876
Jul 31
2 min read

Speech sound development is a natural part of learning to talk. All children make mistakes as they figure out how to pronounce new words, but how do you know what's age-appropriate and what might signal a need for speech therapy?

Understanding typical milestones can help you support your child at home and decide when it’s time to seek professional guidance.

🗣️ What Are Speech Sound Errors?

Speech sound errors involve difficulties producing particular sounds. These can include:

Substitutions: “wed” for “red”
Omissions: “nana” for “banana”
Distortions: unclear or slushy sounds
Additions: extra sounds in words

Many of these errors are normal at certain ages, but if they persist beyond expected timeframes, they may indicate a speech sound disorder.

📊 What’s Normal and What’s Not?

Age	Sounds Expected
2–3 years	p, b, m, n, h, w
3–4 years	k, g, t, d, f, y
4–5 years	l, j, sh, ch
5–6 years	s, v, z, r, th (voiced/voiceless)

By age 4, most children should be understood by strangers about 90% of the time. If your child is still frequently misunderstood, it might be time to get a speech assessment.

🏠 Speech Practice Activities for Home

Model, don’t correct: Repeat what your child says with correct pronunciation.
Use visual cues: Mirror play or showing tongue placement for tricky sounds.
Play sound games: “I spy” with beginning sounds (e.g. “I spy something starting with /s/”).
Read rhyming books and emphasise target sounds.
Sing songs with repetitive words or sounds (e.g. “Wheels on the Bus”).

Short, consistent exposure to sound play makes a big difference.

📥 When to Refer to a Speech Pathologist

Your child is hard to understand at age 3–4
Persistent speech sound errors beyond expected age
Frustration when trying to communicate
Concerns raised by preschool, teachers, or GP
You’re unsure and want a developmental screening for peace of mind

A speech pathologist can assess sound development, provide tailored therapy, and help improve clarity, confidence, and social participation.

💬 Let’s Help Your Child Speak Clearly and Confidently

Our speech pathologists are experts in sound development. We work playfully and positively with kids and families to make speaking easier and more enjoyable.

📍 Shoalhaven Allied Health

📅 Book via HotDoc:

🔗 Book Now – Shoalhaven: https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/nowra-NSW-2541/shoalhavenot-au/doctors