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How do I move a child from accurate to automatic speech at home?
Follow the Golden Rule: accuracy first, then develop speed while keeping accuracy. Train for accuracy until the child gets 10 out of 10 correct, then train for speed. Watch for pausing and emphasis. Both are signs the sound is not automatic yet.
By Marcus Little · Last reviewed October 31, 2026
What is the Golden Rule of speech practice?
Accuracy first. Develop speed while keeping accuracy. Model each production, emphasize the target sound, and positively reinforce every success. If a production is not accurate, slow down and stretch the sound apart.
Why does my client pause before hard sounds?
Pausing before the target sound is a crutch the articulators use to stay accurate. It hinders automatic speech. Have the family watch the face, lips and tongue for effortful productions, and use the Purge the Pausing routine.
When should emphasis stop?
Emphasis helps early on, but it works like a brake: you cannot go fast with it on. Speed drills stop emphasis. It should be gone by the word-level drills. See Eliminate Emphasis.
Quick answers
- When does a child move from accuracy to speed?
- After five accurate targets in a row slowly, begin pushing speed, and keep training accuracy until 10 out of 10.
- What does pausing before a target sound mean?
- It is a crutch for accuracy and means the sound is not automatic yet.