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.
Stimulating Anterior Consonants
By Pam Marshalla
Q: I am working with a 5 year old boy who is unable to lingua-alveolar consonants except an occasional N in isolation and occasionally in the initial position of syllables. I am able to get the tongue placement for /t/ and /d/ but as soon as he tries to say the sound, he makes the /k/ or /g/. Any suggestions would be most appreciated!
The anterior consonants T, D, N, L, S, Z come in because the jaw begins to move up-and-down, not because the tongue begins to move up-and-down.
Teach him to produce all these sounds with big horsey up-and-down movements first.
Teach all six at the same time in isolation, CVs, VCs and some words.
Get the MANNER before the place.
The tongue will take over more of the work as the jaw movement subsides 🙂
What are big horsey up-and-down” movements? I have a kiddo as well similar to this in that he backs most front sounds. He can some how have his tongue in position for t/d and still manage to say k/g. Is this similar to this post?
Gross vertical jaw movements.
Hello,
My son is finding difficult to say n sounds. He has enlarged adenoids and tonsils.but has no medical issues due to adenoids and tonsils. He is on the spectrum,high functioning. He also has might speech clarity issue but can produce all sounds except n sound.
Pls advise.