Challenges of the Lateral Lisp

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Answer

I think there are three really big hurdles the client and the therapist must face in changing lateral lisp.

First, he has to learn a new motor pattern. This is also the hurdle the SLP faces. We ask ourselves, "How can I create this new movement?" This is the first and biggest challenge for some clients, but there are relatively easy ways to go about the remediation process. Developing the new motor pattern is what I discussed in the recorded SpeechPathology.com seminar from October 1, 2009.

Second, the client must learn to habituate the new pattern by learning to self-monitor out in the real world. We face this hurtle as well. We ask ourselves, "How can I help this client remember to do this all the time?" This is a matter of carryover.

Third, the client faces changing his perception of himself. Speech patterns are integrally related to self-perception. The client has to learn to see himself in a new way. Some clients fear this change. The SLP has to be both teacher and counselor; helping the client gain the confidence to try his new skills with safe people in the real world.

This Ask the Expert was taken from the course entitled: Techniques for the Lateral Lisp presented by Pam Marshalla, MA., CCC-SLP.

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Pam Marshalla, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist with over thirty years of experience working with children of all ages and ability levels. She is the author of eight highly practical books related to speech-language therapy with children. She has spoken at hundreds of continuing education programs in the U.S. and Canada on articulation and motor speech disorders.