This advice-column-style blog for SLPs was authored by Pam Marshalla from 2006 to 2015, the archives of which can be explored here. Use the extensive keywords list found in the right-hand column (on mobile: at the bottom of the page) to browse specific topics, or use the search feature to locate specific words or phrases throughout the entire blog.
Age for Frontal Lisp Therapy
By Pam Marshalla
Q: Age what age should a child with an isolated Frontal Lisp be seen for therapy?
When to see a child with a frontal lisp is a controversial thing. We CAN help a child like this from the age of two and older. But most SLP’s still hold off until they are older. Most school districts do not let a child like this enter therapy until age 7, 8, or 9 years of age. In a private practice, one can see them at any age, however one usually counsels the parents that the child does not really need therapy until he is 7 years old or so because a frontal lisp is considered “normal” until then.
The old definition of a speech deficit is useful here — A speech problem is a problem if it bothers the speaker or the listener. You have to use your own best judgment about when to start seeing the client. My urge would be to see the child earlier rather than later if he is bright.