Unclear speech and speech sounds
Unclear speech is usually a handful of sounds, not a personality. We pick one sound the child can almost make, steady it, then put it in words they actually say.
Written by the Inclusive Developmental and Therapy Center therapy team — our Speech & Language Therapist, psychology and ABA staff. This page is awaiting its clinical review.
How sound work actually runs
Hear the difference. Make it on its own. Then syllables, then a few words through games, then a short phrase. We do not skip to conversation. Parent guide: unclear speech, sounds by age, sounds chart.
When it is not “just a lisp”
If most of what they say is unclear to strangers at three, or they cannot copy a sound at all, or they are starting to refuse to talk, that is an assessment — and a hearing check. Apraxia is a different pattern: apraxia.
Age and the R sound
Sounds come in on a calendar. R is late for many children. Guide: sounds by age, the R sound, chart, sounds program. Unclear speech: articulation. Apraxia is a different page: apraxia.
The idea behind the work (in the books)
One sound, in real words, in play. Mouth gymnastics away from speech are not the work.
Gillon — phonological awareness
Hearing the difference between two sounds usually comes before making the difference. Ear training sits next to production.
Law Cochrane — speech-sound difficulties
Therapy for phonological difficulties has a Cochrane signal. We still pick one sound, not twenty.
What the research tells us
This isn’t just our opinion — it’s grounded in published research. Here are a few findings from trusted, independent sources:
The Cochrane review of speech and language therapy found a benefit for children with speech-sound (phonological) difficulties. We print that, then still teach one sound in a handful of real words.
— Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Law, Garrett and Nye (2003), CD004110. View source
Take a worksheet home
Print one sheet. Fill it in this week. Bring it to the consultation — a consultation is Rs 1,500 and lasts up to 50 minutes.
Speech-sounds by age chart
Which sounds usually arrive when — a wall chart, not a test.
Speech-sounds program (PDF)
One sound, in real words.
Book a consultation
Contact owner Muhammad Salman Afzal first. No referral needed. A consultation is Rs 1,500 and lasts up to 50 minutes.
Speech sounds — questions parents ask
Will they grow out of it?
Some sounds do. Many do not without practice. An assessment is how you stop guessing. When to see a speech therapist.
Should I correct every word?
No. Model once, clearly, and move on. Correcting every utterance teaches silence.
R, L, S — which first?
The one they can almost make, in words they care about. Not the one that bothers relatives most.
How do we start?
A consultation is Rs 1,500 and lasts up to 50 minutes. A recording of them talking to someone who does not live with you is gold.
Should we practise blowing and tongue stretches?
No. Speech sounds are learned inside real words, not in exercises away from speech.
Ask about speech sounds
A short, friendly conversation is the best first step. Call, text or WhatsApp us — we’ll listen and guide you, with no pressure.
MPS Road, Block A Model Town, Multan (near Bloomfield Hall School, Street No. 2) · Mon–Fri, 2 PM – 6 PM