Learning the Sounds

Children master sound production at different ages. Acquisition also differs from one child to the next. Mastery is considered the ability to produce a sound appropriately in 2 of the 3 positions in words. The chart below suggests that most children master these sounds at these ages.

Let's look at the (d) sound for an example. The chart suggests that it is mastered at age 4. This means the average 4 year old should be able to say the (d) sound correctly in the words such as dog, and bed and maybe even ladder. The word ladder also has the (l) and (r) sounds. Typically, (l) and (r) are not mastered until a child is 5 or 6 yrs. old. When a 4 year old says ladder, it may sound more like laddo or even yaddo, depending on his or her level. This is perfectly normal and should not cause concern. In time, he or she will say ladder correctly.

Generally, by the time a child reaches kindergarten, he or she should be able to get his thoughts and wants across to people (outside of the family) with very few misarticulated sounds. If you can't understand your 4 year old child, your 7 yr. old still says yaddo for ladder or you have any other concerns, we recommend you consult a certified Speech and Language Pathologist. Ask your doctor or contact ASHA to help you locate someone in your area.

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