At Holistic Strength, we know how important clear communication is, whether you're chatting with friends, ordering your morning coffee, or reading to your kids. For those with speech sound disorders, getting words out clearly can be tough. That’s where articulation therapy comes in.
Whether you’re supporting a child or an adult through speech therapy, here are some simple, effective ways articulation therapy can make a real difference.
Starting with the Sounds That Matter Most
Articulation therapy is all about helping people learn how to say sounds correctly. It usually begins with the most tricky sounds. A Speech Pathologist will tailor exercises to each person’s needs, starting with single sounds (like "s" or "r"), then building up to words, phrases, and full sentences.
This step-by-step approach helps people feel more confident as they go. We often say it’s like climbing a ladder; each step brings you closer to clear speech.
Using Visual Cues to Make Learning Easier
Visual tools can really boost understanding. In speech therapy sessions, we often use pictures, flashcards, and even mirrors. Mirrors are especially helpful, they let people see how their lips and tongue are moving when they make sounds.
These visual cues are like little reminders that guide the person through each sound. They help build awareness of how sounds are formed and give instant feedback. It’s a fun and hands-on way to learn!
Hearing the Difference: Why Listening Matters
Another important part of articulation therapy is learning to hear the difference between sounds. This is called auditory discrimination. It might involve listening to games or matching sounds to pictures, anything that helps the person recognise what a correct sound should “feel” and “sound” like.
This listening skill is key to speech development. When someone can hear what’s right and what’s not, they’re better able to adjust and improve their own speech.
Practice at Home Makes a Big Difference
Therapy doesn’t stop when the session ends. Practising at home helps turn learning into a daily habit. Even five minutes a day can help. Reading aloud, repeating tricky words, or playing sound games can reinforce what’s been learned in therapy.
Family support plays a big role here. Encouragement from parents, carers, or siblings makes practice more fun and boosts motivation. We always say: make it playful, not a chore!
Celebrating Progress Along the Way
Progress might feel slow at times, but every small win counts. At Holistic Strength, we use gentle assessments and regular check-ins to track how things are going. Maybe someone has finally mastered a tough sound, or maybe they’re using new words more confidently. These moments are worth celebrating.
We also adjust therapy as needed. If something’s not working, we try a new approach. That’s the beauty of personalised therapy, it’s flexible, supportive, and tailored to the person in front of us.
Let’s Build Stronger Communication Together
Whether it’s supporting your child to say their first full sentence clearly or helping an adult regain speech skills after injury, articulation therapy is a powerful tool for communication. It’s all about building skills step by step, with the right support, encouragement, and a whole lot of patience.
At Holistic Strength, we provide speech pathology services tailored to the needs of NDIS participants, supporting clearer and more confident communication.
📞 Ready to learn more about our speech therapy services? Get in touch with Holistic Strength, we’re here to support you every step of the way.