How to Correct a Lisp: Speech Therapy Strategies That Work

How to Correct a Lisp: Speech Therapy Strategies That Work

A lisp is a common speech sound error where the S and Z sounds are mispronounced due to incorrect tongue placement and airflow control. While some children naturally outgrow a lisp, others may need speech therapy to correct it, especially if it persists beyond age 5-6.

With consistent practice and targeted speech exercises, children (and even adults) can learn to produce clear, crisp S and Z sounds.

This guide will explain:
✔ What causes a lisp
✔ Types of lisps
✔ How speech therapy helps
✔ Effective exercises to correct a lisp

What Causes a Lisp?

A lisp happens when the tongue is incorrectly placed when saying S and Z sounds, leading to distorted speech.

🔹 Incorrect tongue positioning – The tongue may stick out between the teeth or push air out the sides.
🔹 Weak tongue muscles – Difficulty controlling tongue movement.
🔹 Habitual speech pattern – The child may have always spoken this way and needs structured correction.

Types of Lisps

Not all lisps are the same! Speech therapy identifies which type of lisp a child has to target the correct correction techniques.

1. Frontal Lisp (Interdental Lisp) – Most Common

✔ The tongue sticks out between the teeth, making S and Z sound like TH.
✔ Example: Saying “thun” instead of “sun” or “thoo” instead of “zoo.”

2. Lateral Lisp – Sounds Slushy

✔ Air escapes from the sides of the tongue, making speech sound “slushy” or unclear.
✔ Example: “Slippery snakes slither” sounds messy.

3. Dentalized Lisp

✔ The tongue presses against the front teeth, distorting the S sound.

4. Palatal Lisp (Less Common)

✔ The tongue touches the roof of the mouth too far back, making an unclear S sound.

✅ Most speech therapy strategies focus on correcting frontal and lateral lisps.

When Should a Lisp Be Treated?

A mild lisp in young children (ages 2-4) is normal. However, if it continues past age 5-6, speech therapy can help prevent long-term speech issues.

🚨 Seek speech therapy if your child:
🔴 Still lisps beyond age 5-6.
🔴 Is difficult to understand due to unclear S and Z sounds.
🔴 Feels self-conscious about their speech.
🔴 Shows no improvement despite practice.

How Speech Therapy Helps Correct a Lisp

A speech-language pathologist (SLP) uses step-by-step techniques to teach correct tongue placement, airflow control, and articulation.

1. Teaching Correct Tongue Placement

✔ The tongue should stay behind the teeth when saying S and Z.
✔ The sides of the tongue should gently press against the upper molars to control airflow forward.
✔ Use mirror exercises to visually check tongue position.

📌 Tip: Teach the child to say “EEEE” before S to encourage proper tongue placement (e.g., “EEEEE-Sun”).

2. Practicing Isolated S and Z Sounds

Before practicing words, the child must master S and Z sounds alone.

✅ Hold out “ssssssss” like a snake.
✅ Keep the tongue inside the mouth and airflow straight.
✅ If needed, use a straw or bite stick to keep the tongue in place.

📌 Tip: Make it fun! Pretend to be a snake and hiss "ssssssss."

3. Using Minimal Pairs (Word Pairs to Compare Sounds)

✅ Practice pairs like:

• “Sun” vs. “Thun”

• “Sip” vs. “Thip”

• “Zoo” vs. “Thoo”

This helps the child hear and feel the difference between a correct and incorrect sound.

📌 Tip: Have them listen to recordings of themselves to increase awareness.

4. Moving to Words and Sentences

Once isolated sounds improve, work on S and Z in words:

✅ Beginning: "Sun, sock, sit, soup."
✅ Middle: "Dinosaur, bicycle, racing."
✅ End: "Bus, ice, mouse, house."

Then progress to sentences:
✅ "Sammy the snake slithers south."
✅ "I see seven slippery socks."

📌 Tip: Encourage slow, clear speech instead of rushing.

5. Strengthening Tongue Muscles with Oral Motor Exercises

✔ Tongue Push-Ups – Press the tongue against the roof of the mouth and hold.
✔ Straw Drinking – Strengthens tongue and airflow control.
✔ Lollipop Licking – Move the tongue in all directions to increase flexibility.
✔ Blowing Bubbles – Helps develop controlled airflow for crisp S and Z sounds.

📌 Tip: These fun, playful exercises keep kids engaged in speech practice!

6. Using Visual and Tactile Cues

✔ Mirror Exercises – Have the child watch their tongue position.
✔ Hand Signal Cues – Use a “finger behind the teeth” reminder to reinforce tongue placement.
✔ Bite Stick Technique – Have the child hold a popsicle stick gently between their teeth to prevent the tongue from pushing forward.

📌 Tip: These cues help children build awareness of their tongue movement.

7. Incorporating Speech Therapy into Daily Activities

The best way to correct a lisp is consistent practice in real-life conversations.

✅ Reading aloud: Emphasize S and Z sounds in books.
✅ Speech Games: Play “I Spy” with words starting with S.
✅ Silly Tongue Twisters: “Six slippery snakes slide south.”
✅ Use S sounds naturally: Encourage words like “please, smile, sorry” in conversations.

📌 Tip: Make speech practice a game to keep your child engaged!

How Long Does It Take to Correct a Lisp?

• Mild lisps may improve in a few months with regular speech therapy.

• Severe lisps may take 6+ months of structured practice.

• Consistency is key! The more a child practices in daily conversations, the faster they improve.

✅ Speech therapy sessions + at-home practice = faster results!

When to Seek Professional Speech Therapy

🔴 If your child has a lisp and can struggle to speak.
🔴 Affects speech clarity in school or social situations.
🔴 Impacts self-confidence.
🔴 Shows no improvement despite home practice.

A speech-language pathologist (SLP) provides personalized strategies to help your child correct their lisp and develop clear, confident speech.

Final Thoughts

A lisp is correctable with the right techniques and consistent practice. By focusing on tongue placement, speech exercises, and fun activities, children can successfully overcome lisping and improve their speech clarity.

If your child struggles with a persistent lisp, early intervention with a speech therapist can make a significant difference. Reach out today for a free online evaluation, and let’s take the next step toward clear and confident speech!