Articulation and Speech Sound Therapy in Atlanta
Speech Sounds
Articulation is the ability to produce speech sounds. This relates to how others understand your speech. Children typically develop speech during the first 6 years of their lives.
Speech Sounds
Articulation
Helping Children Become More Easily Understood
Many young children make speech sound errors as they learn to talk. However, some children continue to have difficulty producing sounds clearly, making it hard for family members, teachers, or peers to understand them.
At Hart Therapy Services, we provide individualized articulation and speech sound therapy for children throughout Atlanta, Decatur, Candler Park, Virginia Highland, East Atlanta Village, and surrounding communities.
What Is an Articulation Disorder?
An articulation disorder occurs when a child has difficulty producing specific speech sounds correctly.
Examples may include:
Saying "wabbit" instead of "rabbit"
Saying "thun" instead of "sun"
Omitting sounds from words
Distorting sounds
Substituting one sound for another
Some speech sound errors are developmentally appropriate, while others may benefit from intervention.
REMEMBER, YOU ARE THE EXPERT OF YOUR CHILD. CALL TODAY IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Articulation Therapy
Your child may benefit from an evaluation if:
Family members frequently need to translate for them
Teachers have difficulty understanding them
They become frustrated when communicating
Speech errors persist beyond expected developmental ages
Peers frequently ask them to repeat themselves
They avoid speaking in certain situations
Their speech affects confidence or participation
What Therapy Looks Like at Hart Therapy Services
At Hart Therapy Services, we begin with an evaluation to understand your child’s strengths and needs and to guide an individualized treatment plan. Sessions are often play-based to increase engagement and build motivation. We strive to make therapy enjoyable while helping children build clearer, more confident communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Some errors resolve naturally, while others may require intervention. A consultation or evaluation can help determine if errors are age appropriate or if therapy is recommended.
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Progress depends on the type and severity of speech sound challenges, consistency of practice, and individual factors. At Hart Therapy Services, we offer services at various durations and frequencies to best support each child’s needs.
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Speech sound development varies. Our clinicians evaluate speech within the context of current developmental expectations.
By 4 years old, a child is expected to be understood by strangers. By 6 years old all sounds should be produced consistently in speech. Below are the typical ages during which children master each sound:
2-3: p, b, m, d, n, h, t, k, g, w, “ng”, f, y
4: l, j, ch, s, v, sh, z
5: r, “zh”, th
6: th+
Schedule a Consultation
If your child is difficult to understand or continues to struggle with speech sounds, contact Hart Therapy Services to schedule a consultation and learn whether a speech evaluation may be helpful.
