Different Types of Lisps and How to Treat Them
- Better Speech
- Jul 4, 2022
- 8 min read
Updated: 18 hours ago
In this article we will discuss:
What is a lisp?
It is a speech error in which a person has difficulty producing the sounds /s/ and /z/. These sounds are produced by putting your tongue between your teeth and making a buzzing noise. But, children often substitute these sounds with other noises, such as saying “th” instead of /s/. This can make it difficult for others to understand what they are saying. It can occur in any language, but they are most common in English.
What causes a lisp?
There are a few different things that can cause it, including:
Developmental issues. Developmental conditions such as cleft palate or cerebral palsy can cause a lisp.
Incorrect dental alignment. Children with malocclusion or crooked teeth. Others with no front teeth may develop a lisp since it is difficult to produce the /s/ and /z/ sounds without teeth.
Muscular weakness. Weakness in the muscles of the face can also cause a lisp. This can be due to conditions like Bell’s palsy or Parkinson’s disease.
Injury. An injury to the tongue or teeth can also cause a lisp.
Neurological conditions: certain neurological conditions, such as stroke, can cause a lisp.
Anxiety and Stress. Sometimes, anxiety and stress can cause a lisp. This is more common in adults than children.
If you think you may have one of the mentioned causes, it’s important to see a speech therapist. A speech therapist will give an accurate diagnosis and find the best course of treatment.
Help your child with a lisp communicate effectively
Main types of lisps
Developmental Lisps
Developmental lisps are the most common type of lisp and usually occur in children between the ages of 2 and 4. This type is typically not a cause for concern and will often go away on their own as the child’s speech develops.
If a child has a developmental lisp, there are a few things you can do to help them:
Encourage your child to practice speaking in short, simple sentences.
Model correct production of /s/ and /z/ sounds for your child.
Encourage your child to use props when speaking, such as puppets or toys.
Make sure your child is getting enough practice speaking.
If your child persists beyond the age of 4 or 5, you may want to consult a speech therapist.
Acquired lisps
Acquired lisps are less common than developmental lisps and usually occur in adults. What causes a lisp may include many things. This includes stroke, brain injury, and certain neurological conditions. Acquired lisps require speech therapy to correct.
If you have an acquired lisp, there are a few things you can do to help yourself:
Practice saying /s/ and /z/ sounds in isolation.
Practice saying /s/ and /z/ sounds in words and sentences.
Use props to help you produce the sounds, such as a straw or a toothbrush.
Work with a speech therapist to correct your lisp.
Functional lisps
Functional lisps are the least common type of lisp and usually occur in adults. What causes a lisp may include things like anxiety or stress. Functional lisps need speech therapy to correct. If you have a functional lisp, there are a few things you can do to help yourself:
Practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety.
Practice saying /s/ and /z/ sounds in isolation.
Practice saying /s/ and /z/ sounds in words and sentences. Use props to help you produce the sounds, such as a straw or a toothbrush.
Work with a speech therapist to correct your lisp.
There are also two other types of lisps: interdental and palatal.
Interdental lisps are the most common type of lisp and occur when the tongue protrudes between the teeth while producing /s/ and /z/ sounds. This may sound like they are saying “th” instead of “s” or “z”. Palatal lisps occur when the tongue raises up towards the hard palate while producing /s/ and /z/ sounds. This may sound as if they are saying “sh” instead of “s” or “ch” instead of “z”.
Treating Lisps
Now that we know what is a lisp and what causes a lisp, it is important to be able to identify the different types of lisps and how a lisp is treated in speech therapy. There are a few different ways to treat lisps, depending on the type you have. If you have a developmental lisp, there are a few things you can do at home to help your child:
Model the correct way to say /s/ and /z/ sounds every day. This means that you should say the sound correctly and have your child imitate you.
Make sure that the child is using a correct speech production when they say /s/ and /z/ sounds. This means that the airflow should be directed down the middle of their mouth, not out to the side.
Correct the child’s speech errors in a positive and encouraging way. This means that you should not criticize or make fun of your child’s speech.
Encourage the child will practice their /s/ and /z/ sounds often. This can be done by having them read aloud or play sound games or by utilizing the interactive tools in our unlimited practice library designed for home speech exercises.
Be patient! It takes time and practice for a child to learn how to produce speech sounds correctly.
Hard words to say with a lisp
There are a few hard words that you may have difficulty saying:
ship
sheep
si
says
see
Words with 2 syllables are hard words to say with a lisp. This is because when you have, you have trouble pronouncing the letter “s.” Two-syllable words with the letter “s” in the middle are especially hard to say.
Some other hard words to say with a lisp include:
Mississippi
hassle
desperate
assist
assassin
passion
transition
If you have a lisp, it’s important to practice saying these words. The more you practice, the easier it will be to say them correctly.
What can a speech therapist do?
Generally, speech therapy helps children with speech and/or language delays. A speech therapist by teaching them different sounds they are having a hard time producing. When children have a speech disorder such as a lisp, they teach them how it is said. A speech therapist can help you with your lisp in some ways. They can help you learn how to produce the /s/ and /z/ sounds correctly. They can also help you practice saying hard words.
When should I see a speech therapist?
If you have a lisp that is affecting your life in a negative way, it’s important to see a speech therapist. A speech therapist for lisp can help you learn how to correctly produce the /s/ and /z/ sounds. They can also help you with hard words to say with a lisp. Speech therapists can also help you with breathing and relaxation techniques. This can instantly lessen the stress and anxiety that a lisp can bring.
Techniques to treat a lisp
There are a few different techniques that you can use to treat a lisp. If you have a developmental lisp, there are a few things you can do at home to help your child:
Modeling the correct production
Model correct production of /s/ and /z/ sounds for your child. You can do this in front of the mirror, or you can have your child watch you make the sound. This will help your child learn how to correctly produce the sound.
For interdental lisps, one technique to try is to ask the child to slowly place the tongue at the back of the teeth instead of putting it between the teeth. This may help the child learn how to correctly produce the sound.
For palatal lisps, one technique is to have the child place their tongue on the roof of their mouth. Next, slowly move it forward and say /s/ and /z/ sounds. This may help the child learn how to correctly produce the sound.
Breathing and relaxation techniques
There are a few techniques that may help you. It can be causing you anxiety or stress, breathing and relaxation techniques may help you. There are a few different breathing exercises that you can try. You can also try relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation.
Encourage your child to use props when speaking
Encourage your child to use props when speaking, such as puppets or toys. This will help your child practice making the /s/ and /z/ sounds. Encourage your child to practice speaking in short, simple sentences. This will help your child get the practice they need to produce the /s/ and /z/ sounds correctly.
Speech therapists online
If you’re looking for speech therapists online, there are a few things you can do:
Check with your local hospital or clinic. They may offer speech therapy services or be able to refer you to someone who does.
Check with your insurance provider. They may have a list of speech therapists in your area that they cover.
Do an online search for “speech therapist near me” or “speech therapy services near me.” This will give you a list of speech therapists in your area.
Give us a call! We would be happy to provide you with one of our speech therapists online!
What you can do at home
If you have a lisp, there are a few things you can do at home to help:
Practice speaking in short, simple sentences.
Model correct production of /s/ and /z/ sounds for yourself. You can do this in front of the mirror, or you can watch someone else make the sound.
Encourage yourself to use props when speaking, such as puppets or toys. This will help you practice making the /s/ and /z/ sounds.
Make sure you’re getting enough practice speaking. If it is causing you anxiety or stress, it’s important to get the practice you need to produce the /s/ and /z/ sounds correctly.
If you or someone you know experiences lisping, don’t worry! There are many different types of lisps and each has its own causes and treatment methods. With a little bit of help, anyone can overcome his/her difficulty and speak clearly and confidently. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common types of lisps in children?
The four main types are interdental (tongue protrudes between teeth), lateral (air flows over the sides of the tongue), palatal (tongue touches the soft palate), and dentalized (tongue pushes against the teeth). Interdental lisps are the most common in young children and often resolve on their own, while lateral and palatal lisps typically require speech therapy.
At what age should I be concerned about my child's lisp?
A frontal or interdental lisp in children under 4 or 5 is considered developmentally normal. However, if a lisp persists past age 5 or 6, or if your child has a lateral or palatal lisp at any age, it is worth consulting a speech-language pathologist. Early intervention tends to produce faster, longer-lasting results.
Can adults successfully treat a lisp, or is it only effective in children?
Adults can absolutely make meaningful progress with lisp treatment. While children may respond a bit more quickly, speech therapy is highly effective at any age with consistent practice. The key is working with a licensed speech-language pathologist who can tailor exercises to your specific lisp type and communication goals.
How long does speech therapy for a lisp usually take?
Treatment length varies depending on the type of lisp, the person's age, and how consistently they practice. Many people see noticeable improvement within a few months of weekly sessions, though some cases take six months to a year. Practicing assigned exercises daily between sessions is one of the most important factors in speeding up progress.
How do I find a speech therapist for a lisp without a long wait?
Finding the right support does not have to be stressful. Better Speech offers licensed speech-language pathologists online, with no waitlists and insurance-ready care so you can get started quickly and affordably. Sessions happen via secure video from home, making it easy to fit therapy into a busy schedule for both children and adults.
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.
