Parent Question: What is a lisp and should I worry if my child has one?

Better Speech Language Pathologists Answer:

THERE ARE A FEW TYPES OF LISPS:

Interdental lisp: This is the most common lisp in kids called a frontal lisp. In this lisp, the /s/ and /z/ sounds are made with the tongue sticking out from between the front teeth.

Dentalized lisp: The tongue pushes against the front teeth, which directs air flow forward. Some therapists suggest waiting until a child is 7 or older to correct but the longer one waits the harder it may be to fix.

Lateral lisp: Air escapes from the sides of the mouth and a person sounds slushy or spitty since air and saliva are mixing.

A palatal lisp: The tongue is positioned too far back making speech sound hollow (on the /s/ or /z/ sounds). This is not typical during speech development and a children’s speech therapist should be seen to address this lisp in kids.

WHAT CAN CAUSE A LISP?

They can be causes by improper placement of the tongue in a person’s mouth which changes the way air flows and therefore the sound becomes distorted when speaking. The chances someone has a lisp can be increased by:

1. Tongue sucking as a child
   

2. Tongue thrust: this is a swallowing pattern in which the tongue is sticking out of the tongue during a swallow. This type of swallow pattern should be corrected by your speech language pathologist
   

3. Braces or other dental appliances
   

4. Jaw misalignments
   

5. Unknown causes in which a lisp continues
   

HOW DO I FIX A LISP OR HELP MY CHILD WORK ON THEIR LISP?

These types of issues may be sometimes difficult to treat at home because it means breaking a physical habit that a person has been using for a long time. So the earlier a speech language pathologist can provide treatment, the better the chances are that the lisp will disappear.

Here are some suggestions from the Better Speech therapists for how to help a lisp:

1. Increase your child’s awareness that they are lisping by identifying where proper tongue placement is.
   

2. Model the /s/ or /z/ sound and have your child watch your mouth
   

3. Tell your child that their tongue is called Sandy the Snake; Sandy should not come out of his cage (their mouth) when speaking. Try to catch Sandy!
   

4. Try to break the thumb sucking habit (not easy we know!)
   

5. If your child has an open mouth posture when breathing, have them checked for allergies. An open mouth can cause the tongue to stick out.
   

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a lisp and what causes it in children?

A lisp is a speech sound disorder where a child has difficulty producing certain sounds correctly, most often the 's' and 'z' sounds. The most common type, called an interdental lisp, happens when the tongue pushes forward between the teeth during speech. Causes can include tongue placement habits, oral muscle patterns, or sometimes extended pacifier or thumb-sucking use.

At what age should a child's lisp go away on its own?

Many children naturally resolve a frontal lisp by around age 4 to 5 as their speech matures. However, if a lisp persists beyond age 5 or 6, it is unlikely to correct itself without some support. At that point, it is a good idea to consult a licensed speech-language pathologist for an evaluation and guidance on next steps.

Will my child's lisp affect their reading, confidence, or school performance?

A persistent lisp can sometimes impact a child's confidence, especially in social or classroom settings where they may become self-conscious about how they sound. While a lisp does not directly cause reading difficulties, clear speech development supports overall communication skills. Addressing it early with a speech therapist can help a child feel more confident and comfortable expressing themselves.

What does speech therapy for a lisp actually look like for a young child?

Speech therapy for a lisp typically involves fun, structured exercises that teach a child to place their tongue correctly and produce target sounds accurately. A therapist will practice sounds in isolation first, then gradually move to words, sentences, and everyday conversation. Sessions are usually engaging and age-appropriate, so most children respond positively and make steady progress over time.

How do I get my child started with a speech therapist without a long wait or insurance hassle?

Getting started is easier than many parents expect. Better Speech offers licensed speech-language pathologists who work with children online, accept most major insurance plans, and have no waitlists, so your child can begin therapy quickly from the comfort of home. A simple online screening can help determine whether your child would benefit from an evaluation and what the next steps should be.

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About the Author

Aycen Zambuto

I’m a seasoned educator in speech therapy with over six years of experience helping people navigate challenges in communication. Throughout this time, I’ve found joy in guiding individuals through a variety of therapeutic journeys, from toddlers with apraxia to seniors with dysphonia.

I’m passionate about demystifying this complex world of speech therapy and helping readers around the globe achieve clear and effective communication. When I’m not writing about speech, you’ll often find me reading, traveling or spending time with friends and family.