How Tactile Cues Help Children Learn to Talk

Does your child benefit from gentle reminders or hands-on support when learning new

skills? For some children, touch can be a powerful tool for communication! Tactile cues are light, purposeful touches used by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to help children understand how and where sounds are made. These cues may involve gently touching the lips, jaw, or throat to provide feedback about speech movements.

What are tactile cues?

Tactile cues help children become more aware of how their mouth moves during speech. For example, a therapist may lightly tap a child’s lips to encourage closing them for sounds like “p” or “b.” These cues support children who have difficulty coordinating the movements needed for clear speech.

Why are tactile cues helpful?

Some children need extra sensory input to understand speech movements. Tactile cues can:

• Improve awareness of mouth positioning

• Support sound production and clarity

• Help children who struggle with motor planning for speech

• Increase confidence when learning new sounds

Tactile cues are especially helpful for children with speech sound disorders, childhood apraxia of speech, or developmental delays.

How parents can support at home

While tactile cueing should be guided by a professional, parents can help by:

• Encouraging children to watch your mouth while speaking

• Using mirrors during speech practice

• Giving simple verbal reminders like “close your lips”

• Keeping practice sessions short and positive

Takeaway Message

Every child learns differently. For some, hands-on support can make speech learning clearer and less frustrating. A speech-language pathologist can determine whether tactile cues are appropriate and how to use them safely and effectively.

Source:     

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2023). Speech sound disorders: Articulation and phonology. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/articulation-and-phonology/?srsltid=AfmBOor7-4JFRmfye3Ae2uyxDawU2JaRBslxQfibNBLNrdyET4pQbYEJ#collapse_8