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.
Can Phonemes Be Taught to Adults?
By Pam Marshalla
Q: Can phonemes like R and S be taught to adults?
I have received an unusual number of questions recently about the effectiveness of articulation therapy with adults.
Where is this notion that articulation therapy cannot be done with adults coming from?
Articulation therapy is EASIER with adults because they can understand what you are talking about and they usually are highly motivated to change. The only time this is not the case is when the adult client has a significant cognitive or neuromuscular disorder, and/or when the therapist does not know how to fix these errors.
Hi Pam,
I am a high school SLP working with a new 16yo male client who cannot produce /r/. I do not have much experience with remediating /r/ because I have always been in the high school setting and most of my clients are not working on articulation anymore. Do you have a good resource or book I can use as a starting point to learn how to target this? I have been trying various elicitation techniques with him (/l/ to /r/, etc.) but he is not getting it.
Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Dana
I really found Pam’s book helpful: https://pammarshalla.com/product/successful-r-therapy-fixing-the-hardest-sound-in-the-world/ if you’re still looking for a resource. I’m a school-based SLP in Ohio, working with P-5th grade, but I think it would help high schoolers too.