What Is a Lateral Lisp and How to Correct It?

Lisps are one of the most recognized types of speech issues, but not all lisps are the same. A lateral lisp happens when air escapes over the sides of the tongue and results in “slushy” sounding speech. A lateral lisp does not generally resolve on its own, but it is treatable with the right support.

What Is a Lateral Lisp?

A lateral lisp occurs when air escapes over the sides of the tongue instead of the front. This airflow pattern distorts sounds like /s/ and /z/, resulting in a characteristic “slushy” or wet sound. Lateral lisps are considered articulation disorders and usually require direct intervention to resolve. Lateral lisps can persist from childhood into adulthood if untreated, but they are highly correctable at any age with professional support. Of course, the earlier you seek intervention, the better in terms of resisting habitual patterns. So never hesitate to get evaluated and begin treatment.

What Causes a Lateral Lisp?

Lateral lisps are often related to early motor speech habits and aren’t typically caused by structural abnormalities or cognitive impairments. Common contributing factors include incorrect tongue placement, oral-motor patterns, and learned articulation errors.

• For children, these habits may form during early speech development.
• For adults, the lisp may be a long-standing issue that was never addressed or fully resolved, or it may return after dental work or injury.

Regardless of the cause, effective therapy is available with a highly qualified therapist!

What Does a Lateral Lisp Sound Like?

A lateral lisp distorts sounds like /s/ and /z/, often making them sound “slushy” or “wet.” A lateral lisp may sound like a child saying “shun” instead of “sun,” or an adult noticing coworkers asking them to repeat words. The distortion is consistent across contexts and can affect both personal and professional communication.

When Should You Treat a Lateral Lisp?

Lateral lisps don’t typically resolve without intervention. It is wise to seek assessment and intervention as soon as you suspect an issue. Early intervention can help prevent negative patterns or habits. Young children may not produce /s/ or /z/ with consistent accuracy until 7 years of age, BUT regardless of their age, they should NOT demonstrate a pattern of consistent lisping. If a lisp persists or begins to affect social development, it should be evaluated by a speech-language pathologist. For teens and adults, it’s never too late to address a lisp—whether for improved clarity, confidence, or comfort in social or workplace settings. Therapy with Verse SPLs is tailored to the individual’s age, goals, and communication needs!

How Speech Therapy Helps Correct a Lateral Lisp

Speech therapy for a lateral lisp focuses on building awareness of tongue placement and airflow, retraining sound production, and generalizing new skills into everyday speech. The process of speech therapy will involve an initial assessment, structured practice, and conversational carryover. Therapy may look different for a child versus an adult, but the core techniques—like visual feedback, tactile cues, and guided repetition—remain consistent. It is suggested to pursue an evaluation if communication struggles are impacting daily life.

Lateral Lisp Exercises That Support Home Practice

Some examples of commonly used speech therapy exercises include:

• The “exploding /t/” technique to shape a correct /s/ sound
• Mirror work to monitor tongue placement
• Use of the “straw technique” to centralize airflow when producing /s/

Regular practice and home carryover activities are most effective when introduced and guided by a licensed speech-language pathologist.

Get Expert Support for a Lateral Lisp at Any Age

It is suggested to seek evaluation if you suspect a lateral lisp. Early intervention leads to better outcomes, and speech therapy can help improve articulation, confidence, and overall communication. Verse Therapy can connect you with a qualified speech therapist for a free consultation today!