What are speech and language disorders, and what should I do if I suspect my child has a speech, language, or hearing problem?
• (Adapted from American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities) A child’s communication is considered delayed when the child is noticeably behind his or her peers in the acquisition of speech and/or language skills. Sometimes a child will have greater receptive (understanding) than expressive (speaking) language skills, but this is not always the case. Speech disorders refer to difficulties producing speech sounds or problems with voice quality. They might be characterized by an interruption in the flow or rhythm of speech, such as stuttering. Speech disorders may be problems with the way sounds are formed, called articulation or phonological disorders, or they may be difficulties with the pitch, volume or quality of the voice. People with speech disorders have trouble using some speech sounds, which can also be a symptom of a delay. A language disorder is an impairment in the ability to understand and/or use words
Related Questions
- How do I know if my child cannot produce adequate speech (expressive language problem) or will not produce speech (selective mutism)?
- What are speech and language disorders, and what should I do if I suspect my child has a speech, language, or hearing problem?
- How can I educate my child’s teachers on issues related to speech and language disorders?
