How to Treat a Lisp in Children?
Updated: Aug 25
In this article we will discuss:
Help your child with their lisp to make the S-sound. What a lisp is, why it happens, and what you can do at home to help your child speak more clearly.
It's been estimated that as many as 23% of us have had a lisp - the mispronunciation of sounds like "S," or "Z" - at one time in our lives. It's possible that children struggling with a lisp will grow out of it on their own. But there are many adults who have found that their lisp has come and gone throughout their life, or suddenly reappeared as an adult, after having previously cleared up as a child. In all of these cases, a speech therapist can help, as the S sound in speech therapy is seen fairly often.
In the video attached, and in this article, I will show you how you can teach your child to make the S sound.
What is a Lisp?
Some kiddos have trouble making the S sound because they have a lisp. A lisp, in simplest terms, is the sound or air distortion that occurs when producing the "Sss," "Shh," "Ch," and "Z" sounds.
Did you know there are two types of lisps: frontal and lateral?
It's true, there are different types of lisps, or air distortions, that may be affecting you or your child. They are frontal and lateral.
Frontal lisp - the most common type of lisp. With this disorder, the tongue moves past the teeth. This causes the sound to come out as a "Thh" sound.
Lateral lisp - the second most common type. With a lateral lisp, the air will escape from the sides of the tongue and the mouth.
Get professional help for kids with a lisp
The first step in fixing a lisp is to develop the correct tongue placement.
The three sounds - "Sss," "Zip," and "Ship" require the same tongue placement. The tip of the tongue needs to be right behind the teeth.
And the rest of the tongue needs to press against the roof of the mouth. The teeth lock together like a gate to prevent the tongue from escaping.
What if the lisp is from missing teeth?
Yes, some kids might be missing some of their teeth and the tongue can still escape from that little hole. Teaching them the correct tongue placement for when their teeth return is still possible. In this case, just focus, keeping the tongue back and pressing against the roof of the mouth. Try out some words that start and end with these sounds to see how the child is producing them. As they say the words, have them feel out where their tongue is going.
Remember that for all three sounds, sip, zip, and ship, the tip of the tongue needs to be behind the teeth. And the
rest of the tongue is pressed against the roof of the mouth. So if your child is making part of, or one of the sounds correctly, you can carry over that skill to the other sounds.
At Better Speech, we offer online speech therapy services convenient for you and tailored to your child's individual needs. Our services are affordable and effective - get Better Speech now.
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Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I start worrying about my child's lisp?
Most children naturally produce the S sound correctly by age 4 to 5. If your child is older than 5 and still substituting or distorting S sounds, it is a good idea to consult a speech-language pathologist. Early intervention tends to produce faster, more lasting results, so do not hesitate to seek an evaluation sooner rather than later.
What causes a lisp in children?
A lisp usually happens when a child places their tongue in the wrong position while producing the S or Z sound. The most common type, called a frontal lisp, occurs when the tongue pushes forward between the teeth. Causes can include oral habits like thumb sucking, tongue tie, dental changes, or simply a developmental pattern that did not self-correct over time.
Can a lisp go away on its own without therapy?
Some lisps, particularly frontal lisps in toddlers, do resolve naturally as a child's mouth matures. However, if the lisp persists past age 5 or 6, it is unlikely to disappear without professional support. A licensed speech-language pathologist can assess whether therapy is needed and build a targeted plan to correct tongue placement for the S sound.
What does speech therapy for a lisp actually look like?
Therapy typically involves teaching a child correct tongue placement, practicing the S sound in isolation, then gradually moving to words, sentences, and conversation. Sessions are usually playful and goal-oriented so children stay engaged. Better Speech offers licensed speech therapists online with no waitlists and insurance-ready care, making it easy to start consistent sessions from home.
What can I do at home to help my child with their lisp?
You can support progress by practicing short, fun drills suggested by your child's therapist, reading aloud together, and gently modeling correct S sounds without criticizing your child's speech. Consistency matters more than length, so five to ten minutes of daily practice is more effective than one long session per week. Always follow the specific guidance your speech-language pathologist provides.
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.
