Phonological processes are the shortcuts young children take while they learn to talk. When a two-year-old says “tat” for “cat”, they aren't getting it wrong at random. They're swapping in a sound their mouth can already make, and they do it in predictable patterns.
Every child uses these patterns, and most fade on their own by a certain age. A pattern that sticks around well past that age, or one that isn't part of typical development at all, can be a sign of a speech sound disorder. That's when a speech-language pathologist can help.
Pick an age to see which patterns are still expected.
Your child replaces a harder sound with one that is easier to make.
“tat”for “cat”
“doe”for “go”
Sounds made at the back of the mouth (k, g) are moved to the front (t, d). Later, "sh" and "ch" sounds may also come out as "s" or "ts".
“key”for “tea”
“go”for “dough”
The opposite of fronting: front sounds like t and d are made at the back of the mouth instead, as k and g.
Not part of typical development at any age. If you hear this, it's worth a call.
“tun”for “sun”
“pish”for “fish”
Long, airy sounds like s, f, and sh are cut short into a quick "stop" sound like t, p, or d.
“chip”for “ship”
“chew”for “two”
A simple sound is turned into a "ch" or "j" sound.
“sheese”for “cheese”
“doos”for “juice”
"Ch" and "j" sounds are simplified into a single sound like "sh", "d", or "z".
“sace”for “face”
“tum”for “thumb”
Sounds made with the lips or teeth, like f or th, are made behind the top teeth instead, as s, t, or d.
“fis”for “fish”
“sop”for “shop”
"Sh", "ch", and "j" sounds lose their shape and come out as s, t, or z.
“wed”for “red”
“wight”for “light”
R and l are replaced with the easier w or y sounds. This is one of the last patterns to fade.
“tabo”for “table”
“teacho”for “teacher”
An l or "er" sound at the end of a syllable turns into a vowel.
“pop”for “top”
“fink”for “think”
Sounds made with the tip of the tongue are made with the lips instead, as p, b, f, or v.
One sound in a word changes to match, or blend with, another sound nearby.
“bilk”for “milk”
“do”for “no”
Humming sounds made through the nose (m, n, ng) come out as b, d, or g, as if your child had a stuffy nose.
“kiki”for “kitty”
“bubu”for “bubble”
One syllable is repeated to make the whole word, the way babies babble.
“dod”for “dog”
“kak”for “cat”
One consonant in the word changes to match another consonant in the same word. Also called consonant harmony.
“bie”for “pie”
“goat”for “coat”
A quiet, breathy sound at the start of a word (p, t, k, f, s) is said with the voice turned on, so it becomes b, d, g, v, or z.
“bet”for “bed”
“dok”for “dog”
A voiced sound at the end of a word (b, d, g, z) is said without the voice, so it becomes p, t, k, or s.
“fim”for “swim”
“fider”for “spider”
Two sounds next to each other merge into one new sound that has a bit of both.
Parts of a word are left out, or extra sounds are added in.
“ca”for “cat”
“bu”for “bus”
The last sound of a word is left off.
“all”for “ball”
“up”for “cup”
The first sound of a word is left off.
Not part of typical development at any age. If you hear this, it's worth a call.
“tato”for “potato”
“puter”for “computer”
The quiet, unstressed part of a longer word is skipped.
“boo”for “blue”
“nake”for “snake”
When two consonants sit side by side, one is dropped.
“buh-lack”for “black”
“guh-reen”for “green”
A small "uh" sound is slipped in between two consonants.
Wondering which sounds your child should be able to say by now? See speech sounds by age.
You don't need to wait and see. We offer free phone consultations: talk with one of our speech-language pathologists about what you're hearing and whether an assessment makes sense.
Call 617-419-0424 or email hello@tlcspeechtherapy.com.
