A lateral lisp is characterized by air escaping over the sides of the tongue during sibilant production, producing a “slushy” sound. It affects sounds like /s/, /z/, /ʃ/, and is not a typical developmental error. Because it results in a non-English sound, intelligibility may be significantly reduced. SLPs treat lateral lisps using tactile and visual cues to teach central airflow.
McGlone, R. E., and Proffit, William R. "Patterns of Tongue Contact in Normal and Lisping Speakers." Journal of Speech and Hearing Research 16, no. 3 (1973).
Overby, Mary S., et al. "Clinicians’ Perspectives of Treatment for Lateralization Errors." Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools 53, no. 1 (2022).
