Lisp Speech Therapy for Children and Adults
A lisp is a speech sound difference that most often affects the S and Z sounds. Speech therapy for a lisp teaches a new tongue placement and builds it into everyday talking. Oasis Speech offers one-on-one online lisp therapy for children, teens and adults in Texas and Florida.
What Is a Lisp?
A lisp happens when the tongue is in the wrong place for sounds like S and Z, so the sound comes out as a “th” or sounds slushy. A lisp is a type of speech sound disorder. It has nothing to do with intelligence, and it can be treated at any age.
Types of Lisps
Frontal lisp (interdental lisp)
The tongue pushes forward between the front teeth, so “sun” sounds like “thun.” This is the most common type. It is often part of typical development in young children and may resolve on its own by about age 4 to 5.
Lateral lisp
Air escapes over the sides of the tongue, which makes S and Z sound wet or slushy. A lateral lisp is not part of typical speech development, so an evaluation is recommended at any age.
Dentalized lisp
The tongue presses against the back of the front teeth, which muffles the sound.
Palatal lisp
The middle of the tongue touches the roof of the mouth during S and Z.
What Causes a Lisp?
Most lisps are learned patterns: the tongue simply settled into a different placement while speech was developing. Tongue thrust, thumb sucking past the preschool years, and missing front teeth can play a part.
What causes a lisp in adults?
Most adults who lisp have had the pattern since childhood. A lisp that appears suddenly in an adult is different. It can follow dental work, new dentures or braces, and it can also be a sign of a medical problem. A sudden change in speech should be checked by a doctor right away.
When Should a Child With a Lisp See a Speech Therapist?
- The lisp is still present after about age 4 and a half to 5
- The lisp sounds slushy (lateral) at any age
- Your child is hard to understand or is bothered by how they sound
- A teacher or doctor has raised a concern
How Speech Therapy for a Lisp Works
- Evaluation. We identify the type of lisp and which sounds are affected.
- Learn the new placement. We teach where the tongue goes and how the air should flow, using a mirror, the camera and clear models.
- Build up step by step. The sound is practiced alone, then in syllables, words, phrases and sentences.
- Carry it into conversation. We practice in real talking until the new sound is automatic.
- Short daily practice. Five to ten minutes a day at home makes the biggest difference.
Online sessions work well for lisp therapy because the camera gives a close view of the mouth, and practice happens in the place where you talk every day.
Lisp Speech Therapy for Adults
Adults can change a lisp. Many adults come to therapy for work, public speaking or confidence. Because an adult is motivated and practices on purpose, progress is often steady. Sessions are private, online and scheduled around work, including weekday evenings.
Cost and Insurance
Self-pay is $250 for an evaluation and $85 per 30-minute session. Some insurance plans cover articulation therapy. See pricing and insurance or our guide, Does insurance cover speech therapy?
Lisp FAQ
Can you get rid of a lisp?
Yes. With speech therapy and regular practice, most children and adults can learn a clear S and Z.
How do you stop a lisp?
A speech-language pathologist teaches the correct tongue placement and airflow, then builds the new sound from single sounds up to conversation.
At what age should a lisp be treated?
A frontal lisp that continues past about age 4 and a half to 5, or a lateral lisp at any age, is worth an evaluation.
Can adults fix a lisp?
Yes. Adults can change a lisp at any age with therapy and practice.
What words are hard to say with a lisp?
Words with S and Z are hardest, especially words with several of them, such as “sixth,” “scissors” and “Mississippi.”
How long does lisp therapy take?
It varies with the type of lisp and how much you practice. Your evaluation includes a recommended plan.
Can lisp therapy be done online?
Yes. The therapist can see and hear the sound clearly on video.
Every Voice Deserves to Be Heard
Book a free 15-minute consultation with a licensed speech-language pathologist. No obligation.