Lisps

Learning Objectives

After reading this blog, the reader should be able to answer these following questions:

-What are lisps?
-What causes lisps?
-Are lisps normal?
-How do I indicate lisps?
-Is there a cure?
-How can I prevent lisps?


What are lisps?

Diagram. Available http://www.novita.org.au/library/speech-oral-struct.gif, November 2007

Lisps are also known as sigmatism.There are four kinds of lisps; interdental, lateral, palatal and dentalised lisps.

-Interdental lisps-is produced with the tip of the tougue protudes between the front teeth

-Lateral lisps-where the /s/ and /z/ sounds are produced with air escaping over the sides of the tougue, is also called 'slushyness; or a 'slushy lisp' due to the wet, spittysound.The s symbols for these laterlized sounds are in the Extended International Phonetic Alphabet for speech disorders, [s] and [z].

-Palatal lisps- where the speaker attempts to make the sounds with the tougue in contact with the palate 'sh', 'zh' ch', 'j'.

-Dentalized lisps-not an official diagnostic term. It is an expression that Speech Language Pathologists use to describe the way an individual is producing certain sounds. The tougue rests on, or pushes against the front teeth. The air flow is directed forwards producing a slightly muffled sound. Usually children grow outer it, if not and Speech Language Pathologist is needed.

What causes lisps?
As a functional speech disorder, lisping has no clear known cause. It is often referred to as a speech delay of unknown origin. Structural irregularities of the tongue, palate, or teeth (including abnormalities in the number or position of the teeth) may be implicated in lisping, but they generally are not the main causes. Mild hearing loss involving high frequencies may also impair a child's ability to hear language correctly and be able to repeat phonetic sounds. In some cases, a child with no physical abnormality will develop a lisp. It has been thought that some of these children may be imitating another child or an adult who lisps.

Lisping is also associated with immature development. Some may develop a lisp as a means of getting attention, stress or trama, which is apart of regression. For example, bed wetting or the desire to sleep with the lights on are regressive behaviors.

One theory of the cause of lisping is the result of tongue thrusting, a physiological behavior that causes the tongue to flatten and thrust forward during swallowing and speaking. It is suggested that thumb sucking, overuse of pacifiers, bottle feeding, and recurrent upper respiratory illnesses cause tongue thrusting. Thumbs (or fingers), artificial nipples, and pacifiers keep the tongue flat and do not allow the muscles of the tongue to develop in a normal fashion. When the child speaks, the tongue shoots forward, creating a lisp.

Are lisps normal?
It is perfectly normal developmental phase for some children (not adults) to produce interdental or dentalised /s/ and /z/ sounds until they are about 4 1/2 years of age. Although, neither lateral nor palatal lisps are part of the normal developmental progression. The speech of a child with lateral or palatal lisp should be assessed by a Speech Language Pathologist without delay.

How do I indicate if I have a lisp?
An assessment can be used to determine if a person has a lisp. It involves screening all areas of communicative function. The Speech Language Pathologist takes a detailed history, examines the anatomy of the mouth and movements it can make (checking for tongue, palte structure and function, swallowing, patternes and so on), takes a speech and languages sample for analysis, and observes voice quality, fluency, and sematic and pragmatic skills.

Speech Pathology. Available http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2006/06/26/PH2006062601642.jpg, November 2007

Is there a cure?
Typical treatment is called articulation therapy. The speech-language pathologist finds out whether the child can hear proper speech sounds, and proceeds to read a list of words with specific sounds that the child is having trouble articulating. Lists of contrast words are also read so that the child can hear the subtle differences in word sounds. Therapy then moves to working on the position in the word where the sound occurs; that is, at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end. Specific word exercises follow, beginning with single sounds, then syllables, and moving on to words, phrases, and sentences. Finally, the child participates in controlled conversations such as talking casually during a meal.

Can I prevent lisps?
Parents can reduce the risk of a lisp developing because of tongue thrusting by restricting pacifier use or choosing to breastfeed their babies. They can also speak clearly in complete sentences around their children and not use baby talk. They should treat allergies and respiratory illnesses immediately to keep the nose open and breathing free. The child's hearing and teeth should be checked periodically to make sure he or she can hear speech clearly and form words correctly. Parents can also encourage the musculature of the mouth by showing children how to drink from straws and how to blow bubbles. In addition, playing word and naming games encourages good speech development and stimulates learning.

Just To Name A Few...
A number of celebrities have lisps and other speech disorders. R&B singer Chris Brown has a noticiable lisp, but has risen to fame in spite of his disorder. Recipient of the Golden Globe award for Inreconsolable Differences, Drew Barrymore, has a lisp as well.



Chris Brown. Availablemahoganymedia.wordpress.com, November 2007


Drew Barrymore. Available oscars.about.com, November 2007

Sources

1) Bowen, C. (1999). Lisping: When /s/ and /z/ are hard to say. Retrieved from http://www.speech-language-therapy.com/lisping.htm on (November 2007).

2) Variations in the Treatment of Sibilants. Inconsistency in the Sevillian Pronunciation: A Sociolinguistic ApproachGonzalez-Bueno, Manuela Hispania, 1993, 76, 2, May, 392-398

3) Answers.com. "Lisps" [Online] 15 November 2007 http://www.answers.com/topic/lisp?/cat=health

4) Wikpedia.org.wiku/"Lisp" [Online] 15 November 2007

5) Silverman, F. H. & Miller, L. M. (2006). Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders. Eau Claire, Wisconsin: Thinking Publications.

6)The Persistent Lisp Of Post Adolescents. By: Larr, Alfred L.. Western Speech, Spring1967, Vol. 31 Issue 2, p96-102, 7p; (AN 15748732)