Speech Sound Disorder (SSD)
Children with speech sound disorder have difficulty forming speech sounds — articulating individual sounds, being understood, modulating speech — and they may stutter or lisp. We have heard that parents and therapists have great results using Speech Blubs with children that have Speech Sound Disorder or SSD. In this article, we will explain a little bit about SSD, give you practical advice on how to use Speech Blubs with your child.
As young children learn language skills, it's normal for them to have some difficulty saying words correctly. That's part of the learning process. Their speech skills develop over time. They master certain sounds and words at each age. By age 8, most children have learned how to master all word sounds.
But some children have speech sound disorders. This means they have trouble saying certain sounds and words past the expected age. This can make it hard to understand what a child is trying to say. Speech sound disorders include articulation disorder and phonological process disorder. Articulation disorder is a problem with making certain sounds, such as "sh." Phonological process disorder is a pattern of sound mistakes, such as not pronouncing certain letters.
HOW TO UTILIZE SPEECH BLUBS WITH KIDS WHO HAVE SSD?
If a child is diagnosed with speech sound disorder, speech therapy is usually helpful. In speech therapy, children learn how to create and differentiate between certain sounds. Certain milder forms of the disorder have been known to disappear spontaneously. Our app is a form of speech therapy.
We suggest you use Speech Blubs every day for 5 to 15 minutes or a minimum of 3 times a week. Make sure practice takes place when your child is calm and in his familiar environment with as little distraction as possible. As a parent, you play a crucial role. Really be there with and for your child, praise them as often as possible, and also help them hold the device if needed.
Start with 5 to 10 words that all have simple structures and sounds that your child is already good at. Let them choose the section (topic) but direct them to the simple words.
Let the child in the app do it, then you (the caregiver) do it, and only then let your child repeat. Take your time, show them how the device’s camera works like a mirror, and then enjoy as you and your child and become what you guys practice with our role-playing filters. Also, listen to and read the bonus videos with your child. Ask questions if you feel your child is ready for that.
Repetition is key, but try to make it as fun as possible! Let your child repeat words during your Speech Blubs daily routine, but don’t force them. Especially don’t try to force the child to repeat in real life just yet. This might shut them down and slow their progress down.
If you don't have the app, you can download the app from the App Store (https://apple.co/2UJcddR) or Google Play (https://bit.ly/2QyYTKX). For more information about the app visit www.speechblubs.com
We also wrote an article on how to make specific sounds and practice them using Speech Blubs.
You can read it here
Early recognition and diagnosis of speech sound disorders can help children overcome speech problems. They can learn how to communicate well and comfortably.
We wish you the best of luck and happy Blubbing!
Team Speech Blubs