At Perth Speech Therapy, we use evidence-based methods to help children overcome speech sound disorders. One of the most well-known and effective methods is the Van Riper Traditional Articulation Therapy approach, developed by speech pathologist Charles Van Riper. This structured method helps children learn to produce speech sounds clearly and confidently, progressing step by step until they can use them naturally in conversation.
What Is the Van Riper Approach?
The Van Riper approach is designed for children who struggle to produce specific speech sounds (such as /s/, /r/, /l/, or /th/) even when they can tell the difference between sounds when listening.
It uses a structured and sequential process that combines sound awareness, auditory training, and practice. Children learn how each sound feels, looks, and sounds, then practise it until it becomes automatic in everyday speech.
The Four Stages of the Van Riper Approach
1. Identification
Children learn to recognise the target sound — how it looks, feels, and sounds. Therapists use listening tasks, mirrors, and tactile cues to build awareness.
2. Isolation
Once children can identify the sound, they practise producing it alone. The focus is on accuracy, for example producing a crisp “s” instead of “suh.”
3. Stimulation
Speech pathologists provide intensive listening and practice activities. This strengthens auditory discrimination, helping children monitor correct and incorrect speech patterns.
4. Production
Children practise the sound in increasingly complex contexts:
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Syllables (“see,” “so”)
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Words (“sun,” “dress”)
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Phrases & sentences (“Sam sits on the sand”)
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Conversation (using the sound naturally in real speech)
Why the Van Riper Approach Works
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Structured & step-by-step: Therapy follows a logical sequence.
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Auditory training focus: Children learn to listen critically to their own speech.
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Repetition & feedback: Builds accurate muscle movement for sounds.
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High consistency: Frequent, focused practice supports long-term success.
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Tailored targets: Activities are personalised to each child’s sound errors.
The Role of the Speech Pathologist
Speech pathologists act as both teacher and coach in the Van Riper approach. They use visual cues, verbal prompts, and tactile feedback to help children learn correct tongue placement and airflow. Tools like mirrors, hand gestures, and speech props keep therapy interactive.
Importantly, therapists guide children to use new speech skills beyond the clinic — at school, home, and in daily life.
This method helps children:
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Improve speech clarity and intelligibility
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Build self-awareness of sound production
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Gain confidence in communication
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Carry over skills into real-world conversations
Supporting Your Child at Home
Parent and caregiver involvement is essential for success. Since therapy usually occurs once a week, daily reinforcement helps children progress faster.
Ways to help at home include:
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Encouraging daily “speech homework” practice
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Praising effort and correct sound use
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Modelling accurate sounds in conversation
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Using short, fun games for motivation
With consistent support both in clinic and at home, children are more likely to achieve lasting improvements in their speech.
Frequently Asked Questions – Van Riper Approach Speech Therapy Perth
Q1: What is the Van Riper approach in speech therapy?
The Van Riper approach is a structured, evidence-based method for treating speech sound disorders. Children learn how to produce specific sounds step by step — from sound awareness through to using them naturally in conversation.
Q2: Which children benefit from the Van Riper approach?
This approach is ideal for children who can hear the difference between sounds but struggle to pronounce them, such as /s/, /r/, /l/, or /th/. It is widely used for children with articulation difficulties and speech clarity issues.
Q3: What are the four stages of the Van Riper approach?
The stages are:
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Identification – recognising the target sound.
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Isolation – producing the sound by itself.
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Stimulation – practising with listening and feedback.
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Production – using the sound in syllables, words, sentences, and conversation.
Q4: How does the Van Riper approach improve speech clarity?
By combining auditory training, repetition, and feedback, children develop accurate muscle movements for speech. Therapy is sequential and consistent, helping children achieve clearer, more natural speech.
Q5: How can parents support the Van Riper approach at home?
Parents play a key role by encouraging daily practice, praising effort, modelling correct sounds, and using fun games. Reinforcing therapy strategies at home helps children generalise new speech skills into everyday situations.
Why Choose Perth Speech Therapy?
At Perth Speech Therapy, our clinicians use the Van Riper approach alongside other evidence-based therapies to support your child’s communication journey. We focus on:
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Personalised therapy plans tailored to each child
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Play-based and engaging sessions
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Strong collaboration with families for at-home support
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Proven results in building speech clarity and confidence
📍 Located at Unit 1 595 Canning Hwy Alfred Cove, Perth — helping children strengthen their speech, communication, and confidence every day.