Articulation therapy helps children learn to produce sounds correctly, improving clarity, confidence, and communication skills. Each child’s progress depends on professional guidance from a trained speech-language pathologist (SLP). Understanding how an SLP supports your child during therapy can help families play an active role in achieving long-term success.
Jill Dews, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy in Mission Viejo, California. With over two decades of clinical experience and a master’s degree in Communicative Disorders from California State University, Long Beach, she has helped countless children improve their speech and language skills. Her individualized approach and compassionate care provide a strong foundation for effective, family-centered therapy.
What Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Do
A speech-language pathologist specializes in evaluating and treating communication challenges, including articulation disorders. They help children identify speech patterns, understand how sounds are made, and practice clear pronunciation. SLPs work with families to build a supportive environment where children can thrive.
Families from Mission Viejo neighborhoods such as Arroyo Vista, Evergreen Ridge, and Pacific Hills often notice that early professional support makes a significant difference. Early therapy not only improves speech clarity but also strengthens confidence and participation in daily interactions.
The Evaluation Process in Articulation Therapy
Before therapy begins, the SLP conducts a detailed evaluation to determine the cause and extent of articulation issues. This includes standardized tests, sound analysis, and play-based observation to identify patterns in speech production. The evaluation ensures that each child receives a personalized therapy plan tailored to their needs.
Parents are involved throughout the process. They share insights about their child’s communication at home, which helps therapists create realistic goals. Collaboration between therapists and families leads to consistent progress and better outcomes.
Key Components of the Evaluation
- Speech sound assessment: Identifies which sounds or combinations are difficult for the child.
- Oral-motor examination: Reviews tongue, lip, and jaw strength and coordination.
- Hearing and language screening: Ensures hearing or language development issues are not contributing to the disorder.
These evaluations provide a clear roadmap for therapy, ensuring that each session targets meaningful and measurable goals.
Therapy Techniques Used by SLPs
Once an evaluation is complete, therapy sessions focus on helping children master sound placement and movement. Activities are interactive and designed to make learning enjoyable while reinforcing correct pronunciation. SLPs use repetition, modeling, and visual feedback to strengthen muscle memory and sound accuracy.
Parents also receive coaching on how to continue practice at home. Combining professional sessions with home-based reinforcement helps children apply what they learn in real-life situations and accelerates progress.
Common Techniques in Articulation Therapy
- Modeling and imitation: The SLP demonstrates sounds for the child to copy.
- Minimal pairs practice: Children learn to hear and pronounce similar sounds, such as “ship” and “sip.”
- Cueing and feedback: Therapists use simple cues or visual aids to guide tongue and lip placement.
These methods make articulation therapy engaging and effective, helping children improve both sound accuracy and confidence.
Comparing SLP-Guided Therapy and At-Home Practice
| Aspect | SLP-Guided Therapy | At-Home Practice |
| Guidance | Led by a certified speech-language pathologist | Guided by parent support |
| Customization | Tailored to the child’s unique goals | Reinforces therapist recommendations |
| Feedback | Immediate and detailed | Based on parent observation |
| Motivation | Encouraged by structured activities | Sustained through daily praise and encouragement |
Both therapy and home practice are essential for success. Professional sessions introduce techniques, while consistent home reinforcement ensures long-term progress.
The Importance of Professional Expertise
A certified SLP provides the knowledge, experience, and empathy needed for lasting improvement. By tracking progress and adjusting methods, therapists help children overcome speech challenges one sound at a time. This balance of skill and compassion creates a safe environment where children can thrive.
Parents who stay engaged throughout therapy often notice faster, more consistent progress. Teamwork between families and professionals transforms articulation practice into an empowering and rewarding experience.
Taking the Next Step
At Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy, Jill Dews, M.A., CCC-SLP, and her team specialize in helping children strengthen their speech clarity and communication skills. Each session is personalized to your child’s developmental needs and focused on creating measurable, lasting progress.
If you think your child could benefit from articulation therapy, contact us today to schedule an evaluation. Together, we can help your child gain clarity, confidence, and joy in communication.
Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy
27285 Las Ramblas, Suite #210
Mission Viejo, California 92691
(949) 218-0508
Driving Directions
Jill Dews, M.A., CCC-SLP
CA License #: SP12461
Link to Verify License
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of articulation therapy?
Clear speech is key for social connection and academic success, so parents want to understand what therapy actually targets.
What people should be asking instead: How does articulation therapy help my child communicate confidently in daily life?
- The main goal of articulation therapy is to teach children how to consistently produce specific speech sounds correctly in conversation and functional settings.
- Therapy focuses on accurate sound production, speech clarity, and confidence so children can be understood at home, school, and with peers.
- Goals are based on individualized assessments and tracked for clear, measurable progress over time.
Speech Sound Disorders: Articulation and Phonology – ASHA
How long does articulation therapy take?
Parents want realistic expectations about timelines for success and daily routines.
What people should be asking instead: What factors influence how long my child will need articulation therapy?
- The duration of therapy varies for every child, depending on the number of sounds to be learned, severity of the disorder, and consistency of practice.
- Many children begin showing improvement within a few months, especially with regular therapy and at-home support; more complex cases may take longer.
- Frequent reassessment and collaboration with your SLP help ensure therapy stays on track and progress is celebrated along the way.
Speech Sound Disorders: Articulation and Phonology – ASHA
When should I seek an evaluation for my child?
Early assessment leads to better outcomes, and parents need to recognize when support is needed.
What people should be asking instead: When does “wait and see” become “time for an evaluation”?
- Children whose speech remains hard to understand past age five, or who consistently mispronounce certain sounds while peers have mastered them, should be evaluated.
- Persistent errors or concerns raised by caregivers or teachers are valid reasons to contact a speech-language pathologist.
- Early intervention means children are less likely to face frustration or academic challenges—timely support makes a significant difference.
