What is the difference between a speech and/or language delay and a speech and/or language disorder?
Strictly speaking, a delay means that children are learning to talk normally, but at a much slower rate than other children, whereas a disorder means that speech or language is developing in an unusual or abnormal way. Having said that, some professionals do not make a clear distinction between speech and language delay and disorder, while others use the term delay to describe any type of speech and language difficulty. It should be noted that in some cases, especially where very young children are concerned, it can be impossible to be sure if a language difficulty is a delay or a disorder. In this situation, the term specific speech and/or language impairment might be used as a handy ‘catch-all’. However, some professionals use the term specific speech or language impairment exclusively to refer to a speech or language disorder. For more information see: Glossary Sheet No.
Strictly speaking, a delay means that children are learning to talk normally, but at a much slower rate than other children, whereas a disorder means that speech or language is developing in an unusual or abnormal way. Having said that, some professionals do not make a clear distinction between speech and language delay and disorder, while others use the term delay to describe any type of speech and language difficulty. It should be noted that in some cases, especially where very young children are concerned, it can be impossible to be sure if a language difficulty is a delay or a disorder. In this situation, the term specific speech and/or language impairment might be used as a handy ‘catch-all’. However, some professionals use the term specific speech or language impairment exclusively to refer to a speech or language disorder.
