How to Fix a Lateral Lisp Slushy S Speech Therapy

Lateral lisps are where the air flows out the sides of the mouth for "S" instead of straight out the front of the mouth. The "S" and all the words with "S" like "sun", "sea" etc.. sound 'slushy' or 'wet' because there is too much air flow.

Sid from Ice Age has a lateral lisp if you want to hear what it sounds like. I love shaping lateral "S" into a regular "S" sound because children (usually older) genuinely want to change this sound to improve confidence or because they don't want to use the slushy "S" sound anymore.

The changes are initially slow as the child learns to say the "new sound" and then we move to a specific list of words with "S" so they keep building their confidence. Then we move to: -2 words -3 words - short phrases - sentences -spontaneous speech all while focusing and being aware of the new sound and tongue placement, over time it becomes the new habit and is automatic.

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