Understanding What Causes a Lisp in Adults & Children

A lisp is a speech problem that affects the correct production of sounds /s/ and /z/. There are multiple causes for lisp, and there is more than one type of lisp. It is important to understand the specific cause and type of lisp so that the correct treatment plan can be formulated.

What is a Lisp?

A lisp occurs when airflow for the production of sounds /s/ or /z/ is misdirected. Misdirected airflow can cause the speech to sound "slushy." A lisp can affect both children and adults.

What Causes a Lisp?

Lisp can be caused by structural issues such as dental or jaw alignment. Lisp can also be caused by imprecise or ineffective tongue placement.

Interdental lisp can be caused by gaps in teeth, misalignment of the jaw, or tongue restriction. These issues can be present from birth or could have resulted from excessive use of pacifiers or thumb sucking.

Early intervention for a lisp is important because it helps to prevent habitual patterns of incorrect production. It is important for a speech-language pathologist to diagnose the type of lisp and cause of lisp in order to make a specific and targeted treatment plan.

Why Do Children Develop Lisps?

By the age of 5, children should be able to produce /s/ and /z/ correctly. If they cannot, then they should have an assessment by a qualified speech-language pathologist. Lisps that persist may be due to structural issues of the oral articulators, but others may be habitual.

Tongue restriction (i.e. tongue tie or ankyloglossia) or tongue thrust (forward placement of the tongue) can cause airflow over the tongue to be misdirected.

There may be structural assessment and intervention needed by an orthodontist or surgeon. For issues of tongue placement, a speech-language pathologist can create a treatment plan to address the lisp.

Why Do Adults Develop Lisps?

Adults can develop a lisp as a result of neurological or degenerative conditions. It is also possible for adults to develop a lisp when a new dental appliance is put in place or other dental changes occur.

Neurological conditions can cause the patient to have less strength and control in their oral articulators. Therapy and related exercises can help to improve this condition.

Missing teeth, new dentures, or other dental appliances can also disrupt speech patterns. This disruption may be temporary or may require some intervention to readjust or relearn proper articulation.

How Lisps Can Impact Communication

Lisp can affect the clarity of speech and the ability of the patient to be understood. This can cause the patient to feel less confident in their communication or to avoid communication. Social-emotional challenges can result if a patient isolates themselves or has to manage being teased for their speech. Frustration, low self-esteem, and social isolation can result in concern for emotional well-being.

How Speech Therapy Helps with Lisps

Articulation Exercises

A speech pathologist will work with patients to improve tongue placement and produce clearer speech. Exercises can involve moving and placing the tongue to the target position or making specific sounds using a mirror for visual feedback.

Once the patient can produce the correct placement of the articulators and make the sound in isolation, they will work on producing the correct sound in all positions of words, phrases, sentences, and spontaneous speech.

Oral Motor Exercises

Repetition and consistent practice are important for re-training and forming new speech habits. Speech-based exercises (versus non-speech oral motor exercises) have been proven to be the most effective in improving speech production.

Addressing Underlying Issues

A speech pathologist will identify any physical or structural issues and suggest a referral to a dentist, oral surgeon, or otolaryngologist as appropriate. Once structural issues are resolved, the patient may still benefit from therapy in order to learn new speech habits.

Personalized Therapy Plans

It is important to have a thorough evaluation by a qualified speech-language pathologist in order to determine the type and cause of the lisp. A speech pathologist will evaluate your speech pattern and do a thorough oral-peripheral examination.

You and your therapist will formulate a personalized treatment plan that will address your goals. Treatment plans are flexible and will adjust over time based on your progress.

Verse speech therapy offers easy access in a flexible, online format. Your Verse speech therapist will formulate an individualized treatment plan, and you can start your therapy today!

When Should You Seek Help for a Lisp?

If a lisp is affecting your willingness to communicate or the clarity of your communication, you should pursue an evaluation. Early intervention in children can help improve outcomes. Habits are easiest to correct when they are addressed quickly and consistently. Likewise, adults should seek intervention as soon as they notice a change in their speech that is negatively impacting their communication.

Ready to Improve Your Speech with Verse?

Lisps should be evaluated and treated to maximize communication effectiveness and confidence. A personalized approach with an expert speech-language pathologist through Verse speech therapy will help you to achieve your communication goals. Verse offers convenient and accessible care through a virtual platform. Virtual sessions are very effective in the treatment of lisp. A verse speech-language pathologist can work with you to achieve your speech goals. Explore your therapy options today and get started on the road to clear communication now!