I have a lisp and I've had it all my life. I've never been too annoyed with it, but lately my friends have been teasing me about it and telling me to say words with "s" in it just to hear it. Even my dad and brother pay me out about it! Is there any way you can get rid of lisps? Please help me!
Sarah

There is definitely help for you out there! But first of all I must say that your friends and even your family are being incredibly insensitive, especially now at an age when you are probably feeling more self-conscious than before. I would actually talk to your dad and brother (maybe get mum to hear you too) and tell them that their teasing really upsets you. It's possible that they don't realise how it's affecting you. You can also let your friends know. You could say something like, "I feel really upset when you guys tease me about my lisp and I'd like you to stop doing it."

As for getting rid of the lisp, you'll be able to get some help from a speech therapist. A lisp is a common speech problem that many children and adults have — and it's not really a problem unless people don't understand you, or unless, as in your case, you want to get rid of it. A speech therapist will assess your voice and the sounds you make when pronouncing different words, and will work out where the problem is. They will then give you exercises to practise everyday at home. A common cause of a lisp is the tongue going between the teeth instead of behind it when you pronounce the letter "s". If this is the case, the speech therapist will teach you how to place your tongue in a different position. You can find a private speech therapist in the yellow pages or on the Internet (go to www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au then "Contact" and "Find a Private Practitioner") You might also be able to find a speech therapist at your local Community Health Centre, hospital speech pathology department or university clinic. Your GP might also be able to help you find one.