Speech Sound Errors: Coalescence
What is a Phonological Process
A phonological process is a pattern young children use to simplify speech as they learn to talk. Since some sounds are harder to say than others, children might change them to make speaking easier. These processes are normal and usually disappear as the child grows older and gains more control over their speech.
What is Reduplication
Coalescence is a speech sound error where a child takes two sounds from a word and blends them into one new sound. For example, instead of saying “spoon”, a child might say “foon”. They mix parts of the /s/ and /p/ sounds to make /f/.
Age of Elimination
This usually happens in younger children who are still learning how to say words clearly. It’s a normal part of speech development, but if it keeps going past the age of 5-6, it might need support.
*Please note these ages of elimination are intended as a general guide only. Other sources can change age ranges by six months to a year. Phonological processes are a murky area of speech pathology.
Fixing Coalescence
Model the correct word: Clearly say the full word (e.g., “It’s a spoon, not foon.”)
Use listening games: Ask your child, “Do you hear spoon or foon?”
Practice similar words: Use other “sp” words like spider, spit, spoon and say them slowly together.
Break the word into parts: Help your child say the word in small steps like “s...poon” then say it faster.
Play with sounds: Use toys or pictures to play games that help your child notice and say all the sounds.
Helping your child with coalescence can be fun and engaging. With patience and practice, they'll start using the correct sounds in no time!
Please note the above information is general in nature and is not intended as professional medical advice. Please seek an appointment with a registered speech-language pathologist if you are at all worried about your child's development.
References:
Mcleod, S (2009). Speech sound acquisition. In Bernthal, J. E., Bankson, N. W., & Flipsen, P. Articulation and phonological disorders: speech sound disorders in children. Pearson/Allyn & Bacon. Boston, MA.
Vollmer, E. (2023, March 15). Phonological Processes. Therapy Works. https://therapyworks.com/blog/language-development/phonological-processes/phonological-processes
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. (2024). Phonological Processes Chart Phonological Processes Description Example Whole Word/Syllable Processes Consonant Cluster Simplification (reduction). https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/sped/pdf/sl-phon-process-chart.pdf
Suggested Resources
FREEBIE Stone Age Struggle: /b/ Sound
Practice your child’s /b/ sounds with dangerous dinos in a fun interactive game.
FREEBIE Shopping Trip: /b/ Sound
Practice your child’s /b/ sounds by competing to see who can fill their shopping basket first.
FREEBIE Monster Madness: /b/ Sound
Practice your child’s /b/ sounds with mad monsters in a fun interactive game.