Let’s see if you can you guess which phonological errors are normal and which might require further attention by a speech-language pathologist…

1. "Wabbit" or “Yabbit” for "Rabbit"

 Substituting the “w” or “y” sounds for an “r” sound is considered to be completely normal between the ages of 2-4 years. However, this sound substitution should be fully resolved by the time a child is 5 or 6 years of age.

2. "Fum" for "Thumb"

Substituting the “th” sound for a “f” sound is considered normal until a child reaches 6 years of age. If a child has persistent difficulty producing "th" sounds beyond the age of 6, it would warrant assessment by a speech-language pathologist to rule out a speech disorder.

3. "Tat" for "Cat," or “Dod” for “Dog”

This pattern is called “fronting.” A child is producing a sound that is produced in the front of the mouth (i.e., the “t” and “d” sounds) for sounds that should be produced in the back of the mouth (i.e., “k” and “g”). This pattern of errors should be resolved by the time a child reaches 3.5 years of age. If the pattern persists after 3.5 years, it could indicate a phonological disorder that requires intervention.

4. "Wion" for "Lion"

Substituting a "w" sound for an "l" sound is a common phonological error in young children and is typically resolved by age 5. If it persists once a child reaches 6 years of age, the child should be evaluated by a speech-language pathologist.

Remember, while many phonological errors are a natural part of speech development and resolve with time, persistent or unusual errors may indicate the need for further evaluation by a speech-language pathologist. It's essential for parents to monitor their child's speech development and seek professional guidance if and when they have concerns.

Here at Three Points Therapy, Denise is here to help! If you’re looking for more information about the information above, set up a free consultation today to have your questions answered!