Speech and Language Disorders

Speech and Language Disorders

Speech is how we say sounds and words. People with speech problems may:

• not say sounds clearly
• repeat sounds or pause when speaking, called stuttering

Language is the words or signs we use to share ideas and get what we want. A person with a language disorder may have problems:

• understanding
• talking
• signing
• reading
• writing

What Are Speech Disorders?

Common types of speech problems include:

• Articulation disorders: Difficulty pronouncing words or sounds clearly. For example, a child may substitute “w” for “r,” saying “wabbit” instead of “rabbit.”
• Phonological disorders: Patterns of sound errors affecting groups of sounds. For example “tat” for “cat” or “date” for “gate.”
• Fluency disorders: Interruptions in the flow of speech, including stuttering and cluttering, which can lead to physical tension and/or speaker discomfort.

Signs of speech disorders may include:

• Limited range of speech sounds when compared to children of the same age.
• Difficulty being understood by others.
• Repeating sounds, syllables, or words and/or having a negative reaction to speaking or avoiding speaking.

Causes of speech disorders may include:

• Developmental delays.
• Neurological conditions, including stroke or cerebral palsy.
• Structural differences, such as cleft palate.
• Trauma or injury to the speech organs.

What Are Language Disorders?

Language disorders affect the ability to understand (receptive language) and/or share thoughts and ideas (expressive language). Language problems can also affect social use of language (pragmatic language).

Types of Language Disorders Include:

• Receptive language disorders: Difficulty understanding spoken, signed, or written language, including following directions or recognizing words.
• Expressive language disorders: Difficulty using written, signed, or spoken language. People with expressive language disorders may, for example, have difficulty with grammar, spelling, and finding the word they want to say. and other
• Pragmatic language disorders: Challenges using language appropriately in social situations, understanding nonverbal cues, or taking turns in conversation.

Signs of language disorders may include:

• Limited vocabulary for age.
• Difficulty following directions.
• Trouble responding to questions and/or trouble asking questions appropriately.
• Struggling to tell stories or describe events.
• Other people’s difficulty understanding what a person is trying to communicate (can be in spoken, signed, or written language).

Causes of language disorders may include:

• Genetic factors such as autism or Down syndrome.
• Developmental delay.
• Brain injury or neurological disorders.

Assessment and Diagnosis

SLPs can test speech and language. Assessment may include, but is not limited to:

• Observing speech and language use in conversation.
• Testing a person’s understanding of language—for example, the person’s ability to follow directions.
• Reviewing developmental history, medical conditions, and hearing.

Early assessment is key for children. Adults often require evaluation following injury, stroke, or diagnosis of a degenerative condition.

Treatment and Support

SLPs provide individualized therapy to improve communication skills. Treatment strategies may include:

• Articulation therapy to improve sound production.
• Language therapy to improve written, verbal, or signed communication and/or reading or listening comprehension.
• Social communication therapy to develop pragmatic skills, including conversation, use of gestures, and body language.
• Voice therapy to improve pitch, loudness, or quality.
• Fluency therapy to build communication confidence and reduce avoidance of and negative reactions to speaking (the primary focus of current fluency therapy).
• Family and caregiver coaching to support communication at home, at school, in the community, and/or at work.
• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for people with severe speech or language limitations, or those who need a device to support their speech.

Children benefit from therapy that supports reading, writing, and social participation. Adults can regain communication independence, improve workplace performance, and maintain social connections.

To find an SLP or audiologist near you visit ProFind.