Understanding Speech Sound Disorders at Different Ages
- claire2876
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
Speech sound disorders occur when a child has difficulty producing certain sounds correctly beyond the age we would expect. While some sound errors are developmentally appropriate, others may require intervention.
Understanding what is typical at different ages can help parents determine when to seek support.
Ages 2–3
At this age, children are still developing clarity. It is common to hear:
Simplified words (“nana” for banana)
Missing sounds at the ends of words
Substituting one sound for another
However, by age 3, unfamiliar listeners should understand about 75% of what your child says.
If your child is difficult to understand most of the time, an assessment may be helpful.
Ages 4–5
By this stage:
Most speech should be clearly understood.
Some later-developing sounds (like “r” or “th”) may still be emerging.
If multiple sounds are unclear, speech therapy can prevent longer-term literacy challenges.
Primary School Years
Persistent speech errors may:
Affect spelling
Impact reading development
Influence peer relationships
Reduce confidence in speaking situations
Intervention at this stage often focuses on accuracy, generalisation, and literacy integration.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Speech sound disorders that persist can affect:
Academic performance
Self-esteem
Social interaction
Early therapy supports clearer communication and stronger literacy foundations.
How We Support Speech Sound Disorders
At SCTSG, we:
Conduct comprehensive speech assessments
Identify patterns of errors
Develop individualised therapy plans
Provide home practice activities
Monitor progress over time
Concerned about your child’s speech clarity? Book an assessment: https://www.sctherapysupport.au/make-a-referral Or call (02) 4421 6013.
