Understanding Lisps: More Than Just an "S" Sound
What Is a Lisp?
A lisp is a speech sound disorder that affects how certain sounds are produced, most commonly the "s" and "z" sounds. While lisps are often associated with childhood, many adults continue to experience them—and they can impact confidence in both personal and professional settings.
The good news? Lisps are highly treatable with targeted speech therapy. Understanding the type of lisp you have is the first step toward clearer, more confident speech.
Types of Lisps
Not all lisps are the same. Speech-language pathologists identify several distinct types:
Interdental Lisp (Frontal Lisp)
The most common type, where the tongue protrudes between the front teeth during "s" and "z" sounds. This creates a "th"-like quality, so "sun" sounds more like "thun."
Lateral Lisp
Air escapes over the sides of the tongue rather than down the center, creating a "slushy" or "wet" sound quality. This type is often more noticeable and can be more challenging to correct without professional guidance.
Palatal Lisp
The tongue touches the soft palate (roof of the mouth) too far back, creating a muffled sound quality. This is less common but can significantly affect clarity.
Dental Lisp
The tongue presses against the back of the front teeth, creating a muffled "s" sound. This can be subtle but still impacts speech clarity.
What Causes Lisps?
Lisps can develop for various reasons:
Tongue thrust swallowing patterns that carry over into speech
Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use in childhood
Structural differences in the mouth, teeth, or jaw
Learned speech patterns that weren't corrected early
Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) that restricts tongue movement
Simply never learning the correct tongue placement for these sounds
Why Address a Lisp as an Adult?
Many adults with lisps have adapted to their speech pattern and communicate effectively. However, some choose to address it because:
It affects professional confidence, especially in public speaking or client-facing roles
They feel self-conscious in social or dating situations
It impacts clarity in important contexts like job interviews or presentations
They want to align their speech with how they see themselves
They're pursuing careers where clear articulation is essential (teaching, broadcasting, sales)
How Speech Therapy Helps
Lisp correction is one of the most successful areas of speech therapy. Treatment typically involves:
Awareness and Assessment
Understanding exactly how you're producing the sound currently and identifying the specific type of lisp.
Targeted Placement Training
Learning the correct tongue, teeth, and jaw positioning for clear "s" and "z" sounds through visual feedback, tactile cues, and systematic practice.
Gradual Progression
Starting with the sound in isolation, then moving to syllables, words, phrases, sentences, and finally conversational speech.
Habit Formation
Developing muscle memory through consistent practice so the correct production becomes automatic.
Carryover Strategies
Learning to monitor and self-correct in real-world situations until the new pattern becomes habitual.
What to Expect from Treatment
Most adults see significant improvement within 8-12 weeks of consistent therapy and practice. The exact timeline depends on:
The type and severity of the lisp
Consistency with home practice
How long the pattern has been established
Individual learning style and motivation
Sessions are tailored to your specific needs, schedule, and goals. Many clients report feeling more confident in their speech within just a few weeks of starting therapy.
You Don't Have to Live with a Lisp
If your lisp has been holding you back or affecting your confidence, know that change is possible. With the right guidance and practice, you can develop clear, confident speech that aligns with how you want to present yourself to the world.