ALT Speech Process: Cluster Reduction What is Cluster Reduction? Cluster reduction is a speech process, or pattern, where a few consonants together are shortened into just one consonant. . Example 'spider' becomes paider' or 'saider’ 'tree' becomes 'tee' When does it stop? This usually starts to fade out by 4 years old if there is no 's' in the consonant group, or 5 years old if there is an 's' involved. If your child still makes this mistake past the age of 4 (5 if ’s’), you can refer to your local Primary Care Speech and Language Therapist.

ALT Speech Process: Gliding What is gliding? Gliding is a speech process or pattern, where 'r' and 'l' sounds are replaced by 'w' and 'y' sounds. Examples 'lion' becomes 'yaiyun' or 'waiyun' 'rabbit' becomes 'yabbit' or 'wabbit' When does it stop? This is often the last speech process to resolve. We expect children to make this error until the age of seven. If your child still makes this mistake past the age of 7, you can refer to your local Primary Care Speech and Language Therapist.