[ri*smom]

If you don't mind me pestering you, I am just wondering if you could tell me when is normal range to get the "TH" sound? Ds, 5yo, is still substituting the "F" sound for the "TH" sound . . . . like "fank you" instead of "thank you" and "fumb" instead of "thumb". He can imitate me when I help him, but then he will almost immediately go back to the "F" sound again. I thought perhaps it will just work itself out because it is a more complex sound (if I remember correctly?). I don't want to drive him bonkers correcting him (or give him a complex for that matter). I thought about giving him some of the tongue exercises that our ST has dd do . . . or do think it is better just to let him be for the time being? Thanks in advance!

 

[bonnotsm9]

I'm not Debbie, so I apologize if I'm stepping on toes by popping in here...My dd is autistic and has had lots and lots of speech therapy. This is what I learned from her speech therapists.

Correct pronunciation of the "th" sound can take until the age of 7 years to develop.

One of my sons mispronounced it until about that age, then suddenly was able to articulate it correctly. I didn't do any practice exercises with him to speed him along since dd's therapists had said it's normal not to master this sound until the age of 7.

Hope this helps.

 

[Debbie-cat]

Bonnet is correct ...sorry, I didn't see the post until now. There are exercises you can do at home with him rather than 'correcting' him, but I wouldn't worry too much about it just yet. It is a sound that is usually corrected on it's own but can be difficult for some children.

Since he can do it when prompted by you, I am sure it will work itself out. So dont worry about it right now and enjoy listening to his goofy words as soon he will be talking correctly and you will be missing those 'fank yous'.