Diction Problems

Dr. Greene’s Answer:

The best way to determine whether or not he has a diction problem would be for a doctor or speech therapist to hear him talk. But if he will not talk at the office, perhaps a videotape would work, so they could get an idea how his mouth moves when he speaks.

They can get some idea from a physical exam (where the tongue-tie connects on the tongue and on the gum line–right on the tip of both is more likely to need surgery), but most kids with tongue-tie do not need treatment. But if there is a question about speech development, it makes sense to have that aspect looked at.

Photo credit: JPagetRFPhotos

Dr. Greene is a practicing physician, author, national and international TEDx speaker, and global health advocate. He is a graduate of Princeton University and University of California San Francisco.

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