Phonological Processes After Age 3
While many speech patterns fade in the toddler years, others can stick around a little longer as your child continues to refine their articulation and phonological system. These patterns—called phonological processes—are part of typical development but can affect how clearly your child is understood. The good news is, with awareness and gentle practice, families can support their child’s speech clarity at home and know when it’s time to seek guidance from a speech therapist.
Harnessing Phonology in Speech Therapy sessions
For individuals struggling with speech clarity, understanding and manipulating sound patterns can be the key to unlocking effective communication. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) use phonology to help clients recognize and correct errors in their speech patterns, ultimately improving their ability to communicate clearly and confidently.