When a child’s voice sounds nasal, muffled, or unusual, it can make communication harder and affect confidence. At Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy in Mission Viejo, Jill Dews, M.A., CCC-SLP, helps children and teens overcome resonance disorders with care, experience, and a gentle, individualized approach. With more than twenty years of expertise as a Speech-Language Pathologist, Jill works closely with families to restore healthy, natural speech.
Resonance disorder therapy helps children control airflow and sound vibration to produce a clear, balanced voice. Treatment is in-line with ASHA and customized for each child’s needs and focuses on both physical and functional aspects of speech.
Understanding Resonance Disorders
A resonance disorder occurs when air or sound does not flow properly through the mouth or nose during speech. This can make a voice sound too nasal (hypernasal), too muffled (hyponasal), or uneven in tone. These issues often result from structural differences, such as a cleft palate or enlarged adenoids, or from how the muscles of the soft palate move during speech.
Common signs of a resonance disorder include:
- A nasal or muffled voice quality
- Air escaping through the nose when speaking
- Difficulty being understood by others
- Frequent frustration when trying to communicate
While every child’s cause is different, the goal of therapy is always the same: to make speech clearer, stronger, and easier to produce.
The Role of the Soft Palate and Airflow
Resonance depends on how sound travels through the vocal tract. The soft palate (or velum) plays a key role, directing air through the mouth for most sounds and through the nose for specific sounds like “m” or “n.” When the soft palate does not close properly, air escapes through the nose, leading to hypernasality. When airflow is blocked, speech can sound congested or dull.
Jill uses targeted exercises and tools to strengthen control over airflow and improve the coordination of muscles used for speaking. Over time, children learn how to use their voice efficiently and with more confidence.
How Resonance Therapy Works
Treatment always begins with a detailed assessment. Jill examines voice quality, airflow patterns, and speech sound production. She may collaborate with your child’s pediatrician or an ENT specialist if structural concerns are suspected.
Therapy focuses on:
- Strengthening soft palate movement
- Adjusting airflow for clearer sound
- Practicing correct oral and nasal resonance balance
- Building awareness of how the voice feels and sounds
Each session combines fun, play-based activities with specific techniques, keeping children motivated while targeting precise goals.
Comparing Therapy and Medical Support Options
Some children benefit from speech therapy alone, while others may need medical support or surgery in addition to therapy. Jill helps families coordinate care to ensure the best possible results.
| Support Type | Primary Focus | How It Helps With Resonance |
| Speech Therapy | Airflow and articulation control | Improves sound balance and strengthens correct speech patterns |
| ENT or Medical Care | Structural evaluation | Identifies physical issues such as enlarged adenoids or palate differences |
| Surgical or Medical Procedures | Corrects anatomical causes | Provides lasting physical correction when needed, followed by therapy for fine-tuning speech |
This team approach ensures every child receives personalized, comprehensive care based on their unique situation.
Building Confidence and Clearer Communication
Children with resonance disorders often feel self-conscious about how they sound. Jill’s therapy room is a safe and supportive space where children learn that their voice is powerful and worth sharing. Each new skill builds both clarity and confidence.
Families often notice changes not only in sound but in how a child interacts, more conversation, more laughter, and more participation in class or social settings. Progress happens step by step, and every gain matters.
How Parents Can Help at Home
Parent involvement accelerates progress. By supporting therapy goals at home, families help children practice new skills in real-life settings.
Simple ways to reinforce therapy
- Encourage your child to practice speech sounds in short daily sessions
- Read aloud together and focus on listening to clear sound
- Use mirrors for feedback so your child can see how airflow changes
- Praise effort, not perfection, to keep motivation high
- Keep practice playful using songs or storytelling
Families in Mission Viejo often find that integrating practice into routine activities, like reading at bedtime or chatting in the car, helps new skills become natural. Jill provides clear at-home guidance so parents feel confident supporting therapy between sessions.
Monitoring Progress Over Time
Improvement in resonance takes patience, consistency, and teamwork. Jill tracks changes using voice recordings and regular assessments so families can hear progress over time. Children are encouraged to listen to before-and-after samples of their own voice to celebrate success and stay motivated.
Results often include clearer tone, smoother airflow, and more natural speech quality. These changes help children feel proud of their communication and ready to express themselves in any situation.
Taking the Next Step
If your child’s voice sounds nasal, muffled, or unusual, professional support can make a lasting difference. Jill Dews, M.A., CCC-SLP, brings over twenty years of clinical experience helping Mission Viejo families improve speech clarity and confidence through personalized resonance therapy.
At Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy, Jill tailors each session to your child’s needs and comfort level. She combines expert techniques with a caring, positive approach that helps children feel supported and capable.
To schedule a consultation or learn more about resonance disorder therapy in Mission Viejo, contact Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy today and take the first step toward a stronger, clearer voice.
Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy was recently voted “Best Speech Pathologist” in Ladera Ranch California, a fantastic accomplishment. Schedule your consultation today and see why parents love us!