English Phonetic Acquisition Normative Data

By Dr Sean Pert

Adapted from:

Dodd, B., Holm, A., Hua, Z. & Crosbie, S. (2003). Phonological development: a normative study of British English-speaking children. Clinical Linguistics and Phonology, 17(8), 617-643. https://doi.org/10.1080/0269920031000111348

Use the filter button below to display the phones (sounds) that 90% of typically developing children can say, by age band.

The age bands display which phones (sounds) are acquired during that age band. For example, if you want to know what sounds a child aged 5;6 should have acquired, select the 5;0-5;5 age band. All the phones (sounds) the child should be able to say will be displayed.

You can then refine your search by voice, place of articulation or manner.

Alternatively, you may list the phones that the child CANNOT say at that age band.

You can also press the 'Play' button to hear the phone (sound).

If a child cannot repeat a sound ('This child is not stimulable for X phone), then they have an Articulation Disorder, providing they are old enough to have acquired that phone.

Articulation Disorder may co-occur with Phonological Disorders.

Articulation Disorder is best treated using drill work (multiple repetitions), mirror work (visual feedback on the placement and shape of articulators including the tongue and lips), and placement work (showing the child/assisting the child to place their articulators in the correct site of articulation in the vocal tract).

Articulation work should always be supervised by a qualified and registered Speech and Language Therapist.

Currently displaying all phones of English.