Dear Ruth,

I have a seven year old who began to read before the age of five. He is learning phonics, reading well and scored very well on the achievement tests. Still, his teacher has suggested that he be screened for a slight slurring of his words. I have noticed this since his bottom two teeth have come out, but he can make the 's,' 'sh,' and 'th' sounds and tell me how they are different. His teacher has suggested that this slurring might cause spelling problems in the future.

How is the speech screening done? Do you think that he should be screened?

M.M.

Dear M.M.,

Speech screening is generally a brief, relaxed and simple process. I would not be concerned about it. In a few minutes, the speech/language pathologist or speech specialist at the school compares what she observes of your child with certain age-related markers. You may speak with the speech/language pathologist at your son’s school to learn more about screening there. The purpose of screening is to identify children who need a more thorough assessment. Screening itself does not diagnose any problem.

My guess is that the speech/language pathologist might alleviate any concerns your son’s teacher might have. Children with articulation problems do indeed sometimes have some confusions in reading/writing as a result, but this does not sound like the situation you are describing to me. It would not hurt to make sure.

Best Wishes,
Ruth Alice Jurey, M.S.
Speech/Language Pathologist