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Different Types of Lisps and How to Treat Them

Different Types of Lisps & How to Treat Them

Lisps are common speech problems where a person has trouble pronouncing one or more consonant sounds. You may hear speech therapists and others refer to a lisp as a functional speech disorder (FSD).

People of any age can have a lisp. The condition can affect their personal, social, and professional well-being. Consequently, people often ask their doctor how to get rid of a lisp.

This article provides information about lisp causes, the different types of lisps, and how to fix a lisp.

What Is a Lisp?

A lisp is a speech impediment that affects a person’s ability to make “s” and “z” sounds. It occurs because of various problems with how the tongue moves when the person speaks.

Lisps most often develop in childhood and typically go away without treatment. However, some people have a lisp that persists. Unfortunately, children may tease a classmate with a lisp, and adults may perceive others negatively if they have a speech impediment. As a result, people with lisps sometimes struggle with communication and lack confidence.

What Are the Most Common Types of Lisps?

The most common lisp types are:

• Frontal (or interdental) lisp. This type of lisp occurs when a person’s tongue is too far forward and pushes between the front teeth when pronouncing words containing “s” or “z.” As a result, the sound is more “th” in nature.
• Dentalized lisp. This lisp sounds like a frontal lisp but is caused by the tongue pressing against the front teeth.
• Lateral lisp. A lateral lisp has a hissing sound as if there is excess saliva in the mouth. It’s caused by extra air sliding over the tongue.
• Palatal lisp. This lisp occurs when a person touches their tongue to the roof of their mouth when making “s” and “z” sounds.

Causes of Lisps

Why a particular person develops a lisp is often unknown. Some possible causes include being “tongue-tied” (a condition called ankyloglossia where tissue under the tongue restricts movement) or having a jaw alignment problem. Genetics and their effect on the development of the tongue and mouth structures may also be a factor, as can mild hearing loss. Sometimes, a person learns an incorrect pronunciation of “s” and “z” sounds as a child.

Diagnosing a Lisp

Lisps in children typically resolve without treatment. However, if your child’s speech impediment hasn’t gone away as they approach age five, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor and consider speech therapy. A speech-language pathologist can determine what type of lisp is present and recommend treatment.

What Is the Best Way to Fix a Lisp?

Speech therapy is highly effective in correcting lisps. The process may take a few months (for younger children) to a few years (for older children with a more established lisp), but it generally produces excellent results.

Treatment for a lisp typically involves:

• Helping the person hear what their lisp sounds like
• Teaching them how to place their tongue to produce sounds correctly
• Having them perform exercises like saying specific words or phrases containing the sounds
• Engaging the person in conversations that challenge them to remember and use proper tongue placement

Learn More About the Treatment of Lisps

Lisps are common speech problems that often resolve on their own but can be persistent. Can you fix a lisp? Yes, lisps can be corrected, typically with assistance from a speech-language pathologist.

If your child has a lisp or you have one, Baptist Health can help. Learn about our speech pathology services .

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What Is a Lisp and What Causes It?

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If you or someone you know misarticulates certain phonetic sounds, it may be due to a lisp. The cause, effects and solutions for this speech disorder may differ, depending on the person. Here's why someone may have trouble making phonetic sounds correctly and what can be done about it.

What Are Lisps and What Causes Them?

A lisp is a common type of speech impediment. An article from Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Programs specifies several potential causes of lisping:

• Learning to pronounce sounds incorrectly
• Jaw alignment problems
• Tongue-tie , where the tongue is attached to the bottom of the mouth and movement is limited
• Tongue thrust , where the tongue protrudes out between the front teeth

What Are the Types of Lisps?

There are four professional categories of lisps, as the Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Programs outlines. The first is a frontal lisp, which is the most common and occurs when individuals push their tongues too far forward. The second is a lateral lisp, which happens if air moves over the sides of the tongue when speaking, resulting in a slurred sound. People with palatal lisps, the third kind, touch their tongue to the roof of their mouth while saying certain sounds. Finally, the fourth kind, dental lisps, are easily confused with frontal lisps, but these occur when the individual pushes their tongue against the teeth — not through them.

The Connection Between Lisping and Misaligned Teeth

Malocclusion is the misalignment of teeth when biting down which occurs because the teeth are crooked or not spaced correctly.

In some cases, dental malocclusion can be directly linked to speech disorders. Research conducted in a 2021 study published in the Journal of Applied Oral Science determined that people with speech articulation issues, such as a lisp, have a high chance of malocclusion. However, malocclusion doesn't necessarily cause the speech disorder, and the severity of the disorder doesn't necessarily correlate to the severity of the malocclusion.

Some of the alignment issues associated with speech disorders include:

• Increased overjet
• Spacing between the teeth in the upper jaw

It is crucial for anyone who believes they have a speech disorder or a bite issue to get a professional diagnosis. It's especially important to determine if the lisp results from tongue thrust, as this condition can have significant dental consequences. Parents who notice speech difficulties in their children should seek evaluation.

How to Treat Speech Articulation Issues

Having a speech issue can be emotionally challenging. If you or someone you know has speech trouble, there are several ways to seek help. People with lisping issues can seek help from a dentist, orthodontist, doctor, or speech-language pathologist.

A dentist can check the positioning of the teeth and the size and shape of the palate and bite. A physician may look for other things, such as allergies and tonsil size, while a speech and language pathologist will likely focus on how the individual speaks, breathes, and eats. Sometimes, treating a speech issue requires a combination of professional interventions.

If you or someone you know suffers from a speech disorder, don't worry! There are many resources available for support and speech lisp therapy.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

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What is a lisp  .

If your child has a ‘lisp’ they may sound a bit different when they say the sound ‘s’. You can usually tell that your child is trying to say the sound ‘s’, but you may think it sounds ‘slushy’, ‘wet’, ‘hissy’, or more like a ‘th’ sound. Lisps happen when a child’s tongue is not in the typical position when they make the sound ‘s’. For example, their tongue might poke out further.  

Some families want help with their child’s lisp so they sound clearer. Other families and communities think that having a lisp is simply a different way of talking, and they accept the lisp as part of what makes their child unique.  

What causes a child to have a lisp?  

There is no known cause of a lisp. The following things have traditionally been linked to lisps, but there is no strong evidence:  

• The position or movement of the child’s jaw, teeth, and tongue.  
• Long term use of dummies or bottles.  
• For most children, they have simply learned to say a ‘s’ sound differently, and this has become a habit. Children are more likely to have a lisp if they have a close family member who has a lisp.  

My child has a lisp. Will they need speech and language therapy or will they just grow out of it?  

Some types of lisps are common when children first learn to talk. Lisps often disappear in time without therapy, usually by the age of four or five. Speech therapy may be helpful if your child’s lisp makes them difficult to understand, or if your child uses an unusual type of lisp. It can take a lot of energy and time for a child to change how they talk. Therapy works best when a child wants to work on their lisp and they can focus on therapy activities.    

If you are concerned about a lisp, it is best to contact a speech and language therapist. They will be able to assess what kind of lisp your child has, and they may provide some support to help your child say their sounds more clearly.  

We also have a free speech and language advice line , which is a confidential phone call with an experienced speech and language therapist. During the 30-minute call, you will be given the opportunity to talk through your concerns and questions regarding your child’s development. You can book your phone call here.  

My child has a lisp, what can I do to help?  

There are some things you can try at home to help your child with a lisp:  

• Focus on what your child says, rather than how they say it. Be positive and accepting of how they sound.  
• Model the right way to say a word when they make a mistake. For example, if your child says, ‘I want to wear the blue ‘thock’, you can say, ‘You want the blue ‘sock’. Don’t worry if they can’t say it back or copy you in the right way yet, they may not be ready.  
• If a dummy or bottle is being used, try to reduce this.  
• See our speech sound page for more ideas.

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How to Get Rid of a Lisp

Last Updated: December 8, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Iddo DeVries, MA-SLP . Iddo DeVries is a Speech-Language Pathologist and the Owner and Clinical Director of Speech Therapy of DV Therapy, Inc. based in Los Angeles, California since 2014. Focusing on dynamic therapy for individuals and their families, Iddo specializes in family training and speech therapy for disabilities and delays including, autism, late-talkers, PDD, specific language impairments, articulation and phonological disorders, auditory processing delays, stuttering, pragmatic and social delays, Verbal Apraxia of Speech. Iddo holds a BS in Speech Communication Sciences from Brooklyn College and an MA in Speech-Language Pathology from Adelphi University. In 2011 Iddo was awarded the outstanding achievement award in the field of speech therapy by the New York City Department of Education. He has been an active member of the nationally accredited speech board ASHA since 2006. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 81% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,004,247 times.

Lisping doesn't cause a lot of physical harm, but it is very embarrassing and can cause people to tease the lisper. Fortunately, there are several exercises you can practice to help you, or your child, consistently say the "S" sound. Experts in this subject are called speech therapists or speech-language pathologists, and may be able to help get rid of a lisp with just a short weekly session.

Getting Rid of a Frontal Lisp

• With a frontal lisp, "S" ends up sounding like the "TH" in "math" and "Z" ends up sounding like the "TH" in "father."

• This is the sound "EET" as in "sleet" or "meet."
• If you are having difficulty keeping the back of your tongue raised, use a tongue depressor or popsicle stick to hold your tongue up while you say "EET."

• You might end up spraying some spit on this exercise!

Getting Rid of a Lateral Lisp

• Often, "SH" as in "shoot" and "ZH" as in "massa ge " or "conclu si on" are difficult to pronounce as well.

• This tongue position looks something like a butterfly, if you picture the center of your tongue as the butterfly's body, and the sides as the raised wings.

Treating a Small Child's Lisp

• If the lisp has a different form, with the tongue positioned further back, consulting a speech therapist is recommended.

What to Expect From Speech Therapy/Pathology

• Sessions are usually between 20 minutes and an hour.
• Some clinics offer group therapy, easing the pressure on you to perform. [15] X Research source

• Parents are instrumental in helping their children beat a lisp -- expect the therapist to enlist your help. [16] X Research source

• If you've brought your child in, the SLP may want to observe them playing, with other kids, or with you. Seeing them speak naturally, and not under pressure, is important.
• You may have your speech recorded for learning and practice. [17] X Research source

• Everyone is different -- some might have weekly sessions for a month, others may need a year or more.
• Ask for exercises or ways to practice at home if you're dissatisfied with your progress.

Expert Q&A

• Be patient. It can take a few weeks to correct the lisp in regular conversation. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If the types of lisp described on this page do not match your lisp, see a speech therapist. There are several additional types of lisp; the ones described here are simply the most common. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Talking through a smile for too long may make your jaw sore and cause you to clench your teeth, which can make it harder to do your speaking exercises. Stop the exercise if this happens, and rub your jaw muscles in a gentle, circular motion to relax them. Thanks Helpful 24 Not Helpful 17

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://speech-language-therapy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=86:lisp&catid=11:admin&Itemid=120
• ↑ Iddo DeVries, MA-SLP. Speech-Language Pathologist. Expert Interview. 28 August 2020.
• ↑ https://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster2/therapy/stherapy.html
• ↑ https://www.speech-language-therapy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48:butterfly&catid=11:admin&Itemid=121
• ↑ https://www.babycenter.com/404_can-i-help-correct-my-childs-lisp_71658.bc
• ↑ https://teachmetotalk.com/2008/08/18/oral-motor-exercises-to-help-speech-in-toddlers-and-preschoolers-why-science-says-they-dont-work/
• ↑ https://stamforddentist.com/frenectomy/
• ↑ https://chapmanmillsdental.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ChapmanMillsDental-Care-of-the-Breastfed-Baby-After-Tongue-v1.pdf
• ↑ https://handtohold.org/resources/meet-the-provider/what-does-a-speech-language-pathologist-do/
• ↑ https://www.playingwithwords365.com/2013/07/what-you-can-expect-from-speech-therapy-a-guide-for-parents-part-five-the-ins-and-outs-of-speech-therapy/
• ↑ https://www.playingwithwords365.com/2013/05/what-you-can-expect-from-speech-therapy-a-guide-for-parents-part-three-the-assessment-proces/
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/kid/feel_better/people/speech_therapist.html

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The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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If you want to get rid of a frontal lisp where "s" sounds come out more like "th," practice smiling in front of a mirror so you can watch your mouth and tongue. As you smile, move your tongue into the "s" position, which is just behind the teeth, high up against the roof of the mouth. Then blow air through your mouth to make a hissing sound. Keep practicing every day until it becomes easier to do. To work on a lateral lisp, where s-words make a "slushy" sound, practice saying "EET" while you blow air through your mouth. To learn how to treat a small child's lisp, keep reading. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Home » Health Conditions » Lisp

Last Updated December 20th, 2021

What are the main causes of lisp?

Can lisp be cured, is lisp a disability, what are the causes of lisp in adults.

Among humans, speech and spoken language are the powerful and effective tools of communication. The acquisition of speech is a highly complex process that we begin in infancy and continue to master throughout our lives. Some individuals take longer than others to develop speech skills. Certain others may be completely unable to speak as a result of muteness. There also exists a group of individuals who are able to communicate through speech but they may have certain defects or impediments.

What Is A ‘Speech Impediment’?

What Is A Lisp?

A lisp is an example of a functional speech disorder . It is a condition in which the person is unable to produce certain sounds necessary for speech. Hence, those who lisp are unable to achieve clear and correct articulation. Often, this involves difficulty in correctly pronouncing the sounds ‘s’, ‘z’ and ‘r’, among others. The most common form of lisp involves distorted pronunciation of sibilant sounds.

Why Do Some People Lisp?

Generally, a lisp is caused by the inability to achieve correct placement of the tongue within the mouth when attempting to produce certain sounds. The specifics are discussed further on in the section dealing with different types of lisps.

The true cause for lisping is not as yet clear. Yet, there may also be certain other factors that contribute to the lisp. For instance:

• Tongue thrust is a common muscular imbalance that most of us display in infancy. If this persists as one grows older, it tends to give rise to lisping speech. Thumb sucking and use of pacifiers can encourage tongue thrust.
• Having an underbite or an overbite can also be responsible for lisping.
• A birth defect known as tongue-tie, which impairs the mobility of the tongue can also give rise to a lisp.
• Having frequent upper respiratory illnesses in early childhood encourage breathing through the mouth and this can affect the normal development of speech.
• Emotional or psychological stress.

Are There Different Kinds of Lisps?

Yes, there are a few different varieties of lisps. These are differentiated as follows:

• Interdental lisp: A person with an interdental lisp will pronounce the sound ‘s’ and ‘z’ incorrectly as ‘th’. Hence, the word ‘lisp’ itself will be pronounced as ‘lithp’. This is normal for children up until the age of 4-4.5. This happens because the tongue pushes forward between the front teeth, causing air to flow forward. Hence, this is also called a frontal lisp.
• Dental lisp: Here, too, air gets pushed forwards when speaking. In this case, the tongue rests against the front teeth when articulating sibilants. As a result, the sound is somewhat muted as compared to an interdental lisp.
• Lateral lisp: This is called so because air is pushed out through the sides of the mouth. The resultant sound is often described as ‘wet’, making it seem as if the person’s mouth is full of saliva when speaking.
• Palatal lisp: Here, the speaker attempts to articulate a sibilant but it becomes distorted because the middle of the tongue is in contact with the soft palate.

How Can The Specific Type Be Identified?

Visiting a doctor can help to make a preliminary assessment. The child will be examined for any structural abnormalities in the mouth. In order to determine the nature of the lisp and the most suitable mode of treatment, it is recommended to seek the opinion of a specialist such as a speech and a language therapist.

Can A Lisp Be Improved Or Corrected?

• Treat cold, sinus, and allergies so that the child doesn’t have to breathe through the mouth.
• Reduce thumb-sucking as much as possible.
• Let the child drink fluids through straws.

Can A Lisp Give Rise To Additional Problems?

Most people who lisp can still be understood well by others. Their speech impediment does not cause any significant problems in their day to day lives. Yet, a person who speaks with a lisp can sometimes become the target of ridicule and humiliation. This can cause them to feel embarrassed, self-conscious or anxious in situations involving public speaking. This can give rise to a severe phobia or even depression.

• https://medlineplus.gov/speechandcommunicationdisorders.html
• https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/statistics-voice-speech-and-language
• http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/what-are-speech-and-language-disorders
• https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/education-and-learning/disability-and-special-needs/speech-and-language-impairments
• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-perspectives-of-children-and-young-people-who-have-speech-language-and-communication-needs-and-their-parents

Dos and Don'ts

• Get the condition corrected with the help of a licensed speech therapist.
• If the child suffers from any developmental problem or cleft palate, see that lisping is treated as soon as possible.
• Let the child feel that he/she is dumb or stupid for not being able to talk properly.
• Force the child to get better fast with speech therapy. Every individual has a different speed of showing improvements.
• Ignore the symptoms of communication disorders especially if an individual has experienced emotional/mental trauma.

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Lateral Lisp: What Is It and How to Fix It

Have you ever wondered why your child can’t seem to get rid of that lateral lisp? It sounds as if they are saying “thush” instead of “this”. Lateral lisps can be so persistent and frustrating to correct. With proper intervention, your child should be able to reduce or eliminate their lateral lisp. If you want to know more about lateral lisps, what causes a lateral lisp, and how to help your child, read more:

What is a lateral lisp?

What causes a lateral lisp, who diagnoses and treats lateral lisps, how to tell if my child has lateralized s, how can i help my child reduce their lateral lisp, how to say /s/ the right way.

A lateral lisp occurs when a child produces the speech sounds /s/ and /z/ with airflow that goes out to the side of the mouth, instead of down the middle. This results in a “slushy” or wet-sounding speech production. Lateralized speech sounds are often more difficult for listeners to understand.

It can cause poor speech intelligibility which means people have a difficult time understanding what is being said. However, it is important to understand that lateralized sounds should be corrected. Why? Because if speech sounds are not corrected, they will likely persist into adolescence and adulthood.

Study shows that speech sound disorders are the most common type of childhood speech and language disorder. It is four times more common in boys than girls.

A lateral lisp can be caused by many things, including incorrect tongue placement, teeth that are not properly aligned, or mouth muscles that are too weak. Oftentimes, a combination of these factors contributes to a child developing a lateralized lisp.

For example, if a child has teeth that are not properly aligned, this can cause the tongue to be placed in an incorrect position. This then can lead to a lateral lisp. It is important to know what causes a lateral lisp because this will guide treatment.

Speech therapy can correct the lateral lisp

A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is the best professional to diagnose and treat a lateral or frontal lisp. After completing a comprehensive speech and language evaluation, the SLP will be able to develop a treatment plan that is specific to your child’s needs based on what causes a lateral lisp.

Lateralized lisp is easy for parents to detect since it produces the distinctive “slushy” sound. Listen closely to your child as he vocalizes noises or words containing the “s” and “z” sounds. If your youngster has articulation problems, see an SLP. Early treatment of a lateralized S might help him acquire correct speech patterns more easily.

Other signs that your child may have a lateral lisp include:

Tongue placement: You may notice that your child places his tongue between his teeth when producing the “s” and “z” sounds.

Teeth placement: You may also notice that your child’s teeth are not properly aligned. This can cause the tongue to be placed in an incorrect position, which then can lead to a lateral lisp.

Mouth muscles: If your child has weak mouth muscles, this can also contribute to a lateral lisp.

The most important thing you can do is to seek speech therapy intervention from a certified speech-language pathologist. Working with an SLP, your child will learn how to produce the /s/ and /z/ sounds correctly.

Speech-language pathologists are experts in helping children with speech sound disorders. If your child has a lateral lisp, don’t wait to seek help! The sooner you get started, the better.

The development of the sound /s/ is a process. Babies and young children typically start by making the sound /s/ with air coming out of the mouth. This is called an “air leak.”

As babies and young children develop, they learn to make the sound /s/ with the tongue tip in between the teeth. This is called interdental production. The next step is to produce the sound with the tongue tip behind the top teeth. This is called alveolar production. Finally, children learn to produce the sound with the tongue tip at the back of the teeth. This is called velar production.

Most children will go through all of these stages before they are able to produce the sound /s/ correctly. The speech sound /s/ can be difficult for some children to produce correctly. This is because the /s/ is a fricative. A fricative is a speech sound that is produced by narrowing the speech organs and then releasing air through the narrow opening. Coordinating all of the speech muscles to produce a fricative correctly can be difficult, especially for young children.

If your child is having difficulty producing the speech sound /s/, you may want to try these tips:

Have your child place their tongue tip behind their top teeth. You can practice this by using a lollipop or straw and put it behind the top teeth. This will help them get the tongue placement correct.

Once your child has the hang of placement, have them practice producing the speech sound /s/ while holding their tongue tip in place.

Keep the sides of their tongue up and touch the back molars.

Tell your child to direct the airflow out through the middle of their mouth. This is easier if you associate the sound with the sound of an animal, such as a snake for /s/ and a bee for /z/.

Remember, it takes time and practice for a child to learn how to produce speech sounds correctly. Be patient and encourage your child to keep trying!

Isolation, Initial, Medial, and Final /s/

Now that we’ve talked about how to produce the speech sound /s/, let’s talk about isolation, initial, medial, and final /s/. Learning a new sound, like /s/, can be tricky. That’s why it’s important to break it down into smaller pieces.

Isolation is when a speech sound is produced by itself, without any other sounds. For example, the word “sun” has three speech sounds: /s/, /u/, and /n/. To practice isolation, have your child say the /s/ sound by itself.

Initial is when a speech sound is at the beginning of a word. For example, the word “sun” has three speech sounds: /s/, /u/, and /n/. The speech sound /s/ is in the initial position.

Medial is when a speech sound is in the middle of a word. For example, the word “sun” has three speech sounds: /s/, /u/, and /n/. The speech sound /u/ is in the medial position.

Final is when a speech sound is at the end of a word. For example, the word “sun” has three speech sounds: /s/, /u/, and /n/. The speech sound /n/ is in the final position.

When you’re teaching your child a new speech sound, it’s important to practice all four positions: isolation, initial, medial, and final. This will help your child be able to use the sound correctly in any word or sentence.

Let’s Practice!

Now that we’ve talked about how to produce the speech sound /s/ and the different positions of /s/, it’s time to practice!

Here are some words that your child can practice:

Now it’s your turn! Try saying these words out loud with your child. Can they produce the speech sound /s/ in all four positions?

Fantastic! Your child is on their way to producing the speech sound /s/ correctly. Keep up the good work!

5 tips from a speech therapist on how to help your child at home:

There are different ways that you can help your child at home. Here are 5 tips from a speech therapist on how to help your child reduce their lateral lisp:

Model the correct way to say /s/ and /z/ sounds everyday. This means that you should say the sound correctly and have your child imitate you.

Make sure that your child is using a correct speech production when they say /s/ and /z/ sounds. This means that the airflow should be directed down the middle of their mouth, not out to the side.

Correct your child’s speech errors in a positive and encouraging way. This means that you should not criticize or make fun of your child’s speech.

Encourage your child to practice their /s/ and /z/ sounds often. This can be done by having them read aloud or play sound games such as “I Spy” with objects that start with “/s/ and /z/ sounds.

Be patient! It takes time and practice for a child to learn how to produce speech sounds correctly.

If you follow these tips, you will be well on your way to helping your child reduce their lateral and frontal lisp. Remember, speech therapy intervention from a certified speech-language pathologist is the best way to help your child eliminate their speech sound disorder. At Better Speech, we offer online speech therapy services convenient for you and tailored to your child's individual needs. Our services are affordable and effective - get Better Speech now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my child outgrow a lateral lisp?

Most children do outgrow a lateral lisp, whether through speech therapy or naturally on their own. However, the 'wait and see' method is less common now, and earlier intervention is typically utilized as it has been shown to benefit children to begin speech therapy earlier. So whether or not a child will outgrow their lateral lisp simply depends on therapy, or whether or not they were going to naturally outgrow the lisp on their own.

What can I do to help my child with a lateral lisp?

How long does it take to fix a lateral lisp?

What are the risks of not fixing a lateral lisp?

Is there anything I can do to prevent a lateral lisp?

About the Author

Mikee Larrazabal

I am a Speech-Language Pathologist with 14 years of experience working with children and adults who have communication difficulties. I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science at Cebu Doctors' University and have been helping people overcome their communication challenges ever since.

I have worked with individuals of different ages, including toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children, adults and seniors. I'm passionate about speech therapy and take great satisfaction in helping people overcome their communication challenges and improve their lives through better communication skills. In my spare time I like reading books, going hiking in nature and taking care of my dog Locas.

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Types of Lisp Speech Disorders

Lisps, also referred to as Functional Speech Disorders or FMD’s, are amongst the most commonly identified and widely recognized speech problems that people experience. A “ lisp ” is an articulation problem that results in the inability to pronounce one or more consonant sounds. The most common example of this is the inability or difficulty pronouncing the letter sounds “s” or “z.” This is most often due to incorrect placement of the tongue within the mouth and is called an Interdental lisp. However, this is just one of four main types of lisps. Lisps can be common and normal in various stages of development in children. In some cases, lisps don’t fade as the child ages and can persist into the adult years. 

In this article, we will explore the different types of lisps, their causes, and how they can be effectively treated and often eventually corrected through treatment with a specialized Speech Therapist.

What are the different kinds of lisps?

There are many different types of lisps, however, there are four types that are most commonly observed. They are:

• Interdental lisp – Interdental lisp is the most common and well-known type of lisp. It is caused by the tongue pushing forward between the front teeth. In the case of an interdental lisp, the s or z sound is pronounced like “ th” .
• Dentalized lisp or dentalized production – This type of lisp occurs when the tongue pushes against the front teeth. This results in a muffled s or z sound. 
• Lateral lisp – A lateral lisp occurs when air exits the mouth out of the sides, resulting in slushy or wet-sounding speech as the spoken sound mixes with the sound of air and saliva. This type of lisp is most famously depicted by cartoon characters such as Sylvester the Cat and Daffy Duck. 
• Palatal lisp – This type of lisp is less common and occurs when the center of the tongue is in contact with the roof of the mouth, or the soft palate when attempting to produce the s sound.

Why do People have a Lisp? Is a lisp a mental disorder?

Like other functional speech disorders, the cause of lisps isn’t always known. In these cases, a lisp would be classified as a speech delay or disorder with an unknown origin. Some of the known causes or factors in lisp development are:

-Phonetic vs Linguistic – When it comes to lisps, the cause is almost always a phonetic disorder , meaning the affected person struggles to position the tongue, lips, teeth, and jaw correctly to achieve the attempted sound. This differentiates lisps from other speech disorders which are linguistic in origin, meaning the intended sounds can be achieved, but the person struggles with knowing and identifying which sound to use, especially when they are similar to others in sound or meaning. 

-Physiological factors – In some cases there are structural or physiological factors that contribute to the cause of a lisp. These can include abnormalities or irregularities with the soft palate, tongue, teeth, or position of teeth, While these things can be factors in lisp development, they are usually not the main or root cause.

-Genetics – Genetics can play a significant role in the development, structure, and position of one’s jaw, teeth, tongue and bite. In some cases, a lisp can be caused by abnormal development or positioning of the jaw and/or teeth. 

-Tongue Thrust/ Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder – Tongue thrust or OMD refers to the reflex of pushing the tongue forward between the front teeth. This reflex is normal in babies and children, and in most cases, children’s speaking and swallowing patterns evolve and develop normally. By the age of 6, most children no longer have a tongue thrust reflex. In some cases, prolonged tongue thrust is related to extended use of pacifiers, baby bottles, or other habits such as thumb sucking, allergies, or an untreated tongue-tie. 

-Hearing Loss – Some lisps are related to mild hearing loss, particularly involving high frequencies, which can affect the person’s ability to hear sounds correctly, and subsequently, they will struggle to repeat them. 

How are Lisps Treated? Can a Lisp be Corrected? 

Speech Therapy can be incredibly effective when it comes to addressing pronunciation and articulation concerns such as lisping. Speech Therapy to improve a lisp typically involves a progression of skill development, working first to clearly say the challenging sounds on their own (S and Z for example) and then over time working to properly execute these sounds within various words and combinations of words. How long this process takes and what the steps between each goal look like, will vary from person to person. Speech Therapy will aim to bring awareness to the various challenges and areas in need of improvement and to help bring mindfulness to related goals and positive outcomes. This is referred to as Articulation Therapy. Some specific techniques in individualized therapy might include the use of verbal, visual, or tactile cues. Verbal cues refer to the use of verbal instructions as well as demonstrating how to properly and effectively position the tongue and lips to articulate the sound. Visual clues include modeling how the sound should look and sound as well as the use of gestures to illustrate a certain sound. Tactile cues are when the therapist models the positioning and placement of the tongue and lips using touch. Other techniques that may be included in speech therapy are muscle strengthening exercises, learning to pronounce certain sounds and words, and a more general approach to annunciation coaching and support. 

If you or your loved one is struggling to identify or correct a lisp, connecting with a speech therapist can be an incredibly helpful and effective first step. Fill out our Get Started form by clicking the button below to book a free introductory call and start your journey with one of our highly specialized therapists. 

Chicken Little: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Abby Mallard, The Duck

• Abby Mallard is a beloved Disney character, standing out for her warmth, humor, and wisdom in Chicken Little .
• Voiced by Joan Cusack, Abby was almost played by other notable actresses, such as Jodie Foster, Laura Dern, and Madonna.
• Despite being originally conceived as a male character, Abby's speech impediment and resilience make her an inspiration.

Despite not fitting the mold of a conventional Disney heroine, the Abby duck in Chicken Little remains a beloved figure in Disney's animated pantheon. The story of Chicken Little , Walt Disney Animation's first fully computer-animated venture, revolves around a pint-sized rooster high-schooler and his motley crew of animal misfits who must save their town from an alien invasion. The quirky 2005 movie marked a significant departure from Disney's traditional hand-drawn animation style and introduced audiences to a new era of storytelling. One of the standout characters is Abby Mallard, Chicken Little’s reliable confidante and eventual love interest.

Abby plays a pivotal role in the film, often serving as the group's moral compass with her wit, unwavering loyalty, and mature perspective. Known affectionately as the "Ugly Duckling," Abby stands out not only for her unconventional looks but also for her genuine warmth and empathy. Despite being the subject of ridicule due to her asymmetrical face and slight lisp, she remains the voice of reason for Chicken Little and his friends, helping them navigate the challenges of high school life. However Abby's endearing qualities go far beyond her "ugly duckling" appearance, and she has many hidden details too.

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Other Actresses Considered To Voice Abby

Jodie foster, laura dern, & many others were in the running.

While comedienne Joan Cusack ultimately brought Abby Mallard to life with her distinctive voice, she wasn't the only contender for the role. Several notable actresses were considered , including Jodie Foster, Laura Dern, Sigourney Weaver, Geena Davis, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Helen Hunt (via Disney Voice Actors: A Biographical Dictionary ). Interestingly, Madonna was humorously thrown into the mix as well. Despite the intense competition, Cusack's unique comedic timing and quirky charm won her the role.

In the video game adaptation of Chicken Little , Pamela Adlon stepped in to voice Abby Mallard. Both Cusack and Adlon skillfully portrayed Abby as a high-schooler who stands out as the mature one in the group but secretly harbors a crush on Chicken Little. Their performances brought depth to Abby's character, making her a memorable part of the film and game.

Joan Cusacks Second Voice Role

Cusack voiced jessie in toy story 2 & went on to become a prolific voice actor.

Chicken Little isn't the only animated project featuring Joan Cusack's voice. She's best known for bringing Jessie the Cowgirl to life in the Toy Story cast . Her heartwarming performance in Toy Story 2 earned her an Annie Award for Female Voice Acting in a Feature Production, cementing her as a standout in the world of animation. She went on to reprise the role in Toy Story 3, Toy Story 4 , and several shorts.

Beyond these roles, Cusack also voiced the evil witch Verushka in Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil , the Mission Control Elf in Arthur Christmas , and the belligerent Mrs. Krum in Klaus . She even brought her unique charm to motion capture, playing Milo's loving mother in Mars Needs Moms . Her versatile and memorable voice work has made her an enduring favorite in animated films, with each character showcasing her comedic timing and ability to convey a range of emotions.

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Abby Was Originally Conceived As A Male

Sean hayes almost voiced the character.

Not all animated films end up as they were first pitched, and Chicken Little is no exception. Initially, Abby Mallard was conceived as an ugly male duckling, and comedian Sean Hayes lined up to voice the character (via Variety ). However, the character was soon rewritten as a female while retaining the "Ugly Duckling" arc . Joan Cusack's transformation into Abby Mallard brought a refreshing twist to the character, blending her quirky, lovable nature with a touch of maturity and wisdom beyond her years.

Interestingly, Abby wasn't the only character to undergo a gender flip. Chicken Little was initially envisioned as a female, with Holly Hunter cast to voice the character. However, after eight months of production, former Disney CEO Michael Eisner demanded Chicken Little be male , and Zach Braff was brought in to provide the voice. These changes illustrate the fluidity of the creative process in animated filmmaking, resulting in characters that have resonated with audiences worldwide.

Abby's Lisp Helped Earn Her Nickname "Ugly Duckling"

But it adds to her charm & resiliance.

Abby Mallard, affectionately known as the "Ugly Duckling," has a slight speech impediment that, combined with her asymmetrical face, earned her this unflattering nickname. Her speech features a subtly noticeable lisp , which is evident in every conversation, but it doesn't diminish her caring nature or her insightful observations about her classmates.

Her distinctive speech patterns bear a resemblance to other Disney characters like Donald Duck and his nephews, Huey, Louie, and Dewey, who also share similar vocal mannerisms. Despite this similarity, Abby stands out as a unique and endearing character. Her speech impediment, like that of her Disney counterparts, doesn't prevent her from rising to the occasion and embracing her individuality. Instead, it adds to her charm and resilience, making her an inspiration to her friends and viewers alike as she navigates the challenges of high school with unwavering optimism and loyalty.

Abby Is Chicken Littles Only Female Ally

Foxy loxy, goosey loosey, & tina aren't as loyal as abby.

Following the infamous “sky is falling” incident that wreaks havoc in Oakey Oaks, Chicken Little becomes a target of ridicule, even from his own father. With the town viewing him as a nuisance, he relies heavily on his friends, particularly his best friend, Abby Mallard. Throughout the movie, Abby remains Chicken Little's only female ally, offering unwavering support despite the odds .

While other female characters like the bully Foxy Loxy, her confidante Goosey Loosey, and the alien mother Tina make appearances, none match Abby's loyalty and compassion. She stands by Chicken Little through thick and thin, offering sage advice and encouragement when he's at his lowest. Her unwavering friendship, quirky wisdom, and heartfelt belief in him make her a standout character, reinforcing the film’s message about the power of friendship and resilience in the face of adversity.

Abby Resembles Another Disney Character

Abby's middle name is also a reference to ducktales.

Abby Mallard's design and personality bear a striking resemblance to Gosalyn Mallard from Disney's Darkwing Duck . On the physical side, both characters sport pigtails and wear T-shirts in similar purple hues . Additionally, their diminutive statures contrast with those around them, emphasizing their distinctive presence. Character-wise, Abby and Gosalyn also share several traits. Both have sarcastic personalities, exuding confidence and a tomboyish charm.

Despite their tough exteriors, they are caring, courageous, and fiercely loyal. Abby's middle name, "Ducktail," even plays on the title of DuckTales , further linking her to Disney's duck universe. These parallels between Abby and Gosalyn highlight Disney's knack for creating strong, memorable female characters who break stereotypes and embrace their unique quirks. Abby's resemblance to Gosalyn reinforces her as a character who stands out while embodying the same humor, determination, and spirit that fans of Darkwing Duck grew to love.

Abby Is Just One Of Many Disney Ducks

The studio has over 200 duck characters.

Abby Mallard is just one of many duck characters in the Disney animated pantheon. In fact, Disney's roster boasts over 200 duck characters , many of which originate from the DuckTales and Darkwing Duck universes . Like Abby, these characters are vibrant, quirky, and memorable. Among the most iconic Disney ducks are Donald Duck, Gosalyn Mallard, Huey, Louie, Dewey, and Scrooge McDuck, each bringing their unique personalities to the screen.

With her sarcastic wit and unwavering loyalty, Abby Mallard fits right in with these beloved characters. Her inclusion further enriches Disney's duck legacy, making her a standout addition to the clan. With so many ducks populating Disney's animated universe, it wouldn’t be surprising if Abby were a member of Clan McDuck herself. Her courage, humor, and distinct charm ensure she remains a memorable character among the Disney Duck Dynasty.

Chicken Little Had A Scrapped Direct-To-Video Sequel With A Focus On Abby

The sequel was titled chicken little 2: the ugly duckling story.

Many 90s movies got Disney direct-to-video sequels , and Chicken Little was initially planned to have a direct-to-video sequel titled Chicken Little 2: The Ugly Duckling Story . The proposed plot r evolved around Chicken Little finding himself in a love triangle with Abby Mallard and a new student named Raffaela , a French sheep. In this story arc, Abby would feel compelled to undergo a makeover to win Chicken Little's heart.

Animation reels were even created to persuade Disney to greenlight the project. However, the sequel never came to fruition due to the closure of DisneyToon Studios. In hindsight, this might have been for the best. The proposed storyline of Abby changing herself for Chicken Little strayed from her original character's message of self-acceptance and resilience. Despite the scrapped sequel, Abby remains a beloved character, and her unwavering loyalty to Chicken Little continues to resonate with audiences.

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Abby Has A Lot Of Similarities To A Friends Character

There are a lot of parallels between abby & rachel green.

Abby Mallard has surprising parallels with Rachel Green from Friends . Throughout Chicken Little , Abby repeatedly urges Chicken Little to open up to his father and seek closure, ultimately helping the two reconcile. This recurring theme of "closure" references the Friends season two episode "The One Where Ross Finds Out," where an intoxicated Rachel is told by her date that she needs closure from Ross to move on, but Ross and Rachel eventually reconcile . Similarly, Abby's encouragement helps Chicken Little and his father bridge their emotional gap, demonstrating her unwavering loyalty and wisdom.

Abby's role mirrors Rachel's journey towards closure, adding a subtle nod to the iconic sitcom while reinforcing Abby's position as a supportive friend who inspires positive change. This clever reference brings an extra layer of depth to Abby's character, making her more relatable to fans of the show and showcasing Disney's knack for drawing inspiration from popular culture. Abby's advocacy for emotional healing serves as a testament to her maturity and empathy, cementing her as one of Chicken Little's most valuable allies.

Abbey Isn't Actually A Mallard

The chicken little character is a swan.

Despite her name, Abby Mallard isn't actually a mallard. Instead, she's implied to be a swan with grayish plumage . Mallards typically have distinctive green plumage on their heads and long bills with a black stripe at the tips. In contrast, Abby sports grayish-brown feathers all over her body, which differs significantly from a mallard's typical brown and white fluff. While the logic behind her name may be a bit inconsistent, her swan-like appearance subtly parallels the ballet Swan Lake , which centers on a black swan transforming into a white swan.

This transformation theme mirrors Abby's own journey as she embraces her "ugly duckling" persona and gradually grows more confident in herself in Chicken Little . Abby's characterization as a swan adds an extra layer of depth to her story, highlighting her courage and resilience in the face of adversity. By embracing her true self and supporting her friends, she becomes a vital source of inspiration, embodying the classic tale of transformation and inner beauty.