What is a Speech or Language Disorder?

A child's communication is considered delayed when the child is noticeably behind his or her peers in the acquisition of speech (articulation) and/or language skills. Sometimes a child will have better receptive (understanding) than expressive (speaking) language skills.

A speech disorder refers to a difficulty producing speech sounds (articulation) or a problem with voice quality (resonance). It might also be characterized by an interruption in the flow or rhythm of speech, such as stuttering, which is called dysfluency.

Articulation disorders include difficulties producing sounds in syllables or saying words incorrectly to the point that other people can't understand what's being said. They may say "tar" when they mean "car" or they may have trouble using other sounds like "l" or "r".

Fluency disorders include problems in which the flow of speech is interrupted by abnormal stoppages, repetitions (st-st-stuttering), or prolonging sounds and syllables (ssssstuttering).

Resonance or voice disorders include problems with the pitch, volume, or quality of a child's voice that distract listeners from what's being said. These types of disorders may also cause pain or discomfort for the child when speaking. 

A language disorder is an impairment in the ability to understand and/or use words in context, both verbally and nonverbally. Some characteristics of language disorders include improper use of words and their meanings, inability to express ideas, inappropriate grammatical patterns, reduced vocabulary and inability to follow directions. One or a combination of these characteristics may occur in children who are affected by language learning disabilities or a developmental language delay. Children may hear or see a word but not be able to understand its meaning. They may have trouble getting others to understand what they are trying to communicate.

Our assessment services will provide you with information on the specific needs of each child. 

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