What Are Speech Disorders?
A speech disorder refers to a problem with making sounds. Speech disorders include:
-
Articulation disorders: These are problems with making sounds in syllables, or saying words incorrectly to the point that listeners can't understand what's being said.
-
Fluency disorders: These include problems such as stuttering, in which the flow of speech is interrupted by unusual stops, partial-word repetitions ("b-b-boy"), or prolonging sounds and syllables (sssssnake).
-
Resonance or voice disorders: These are problems with the pitch, volume, or quality of the voice that distract listeners from what's being said. These types of disorders may also cause pain or discomfort for a child when speaking.
​
​
What Are Language Disorders?
A language disorder refers to a problem understanding or putting words together to communicate ideas. Language disorders can be either receptive or expressive:
-
Receptive disorders are problems with understanding or processing language.
-
Expressive disorders are problems with putting words together, having a limited vocabulary, or being unable to use language in a socially appropriate way.
-
Cognitive-communication disorders are problems with communication skills that involve memory, attention, perception, organization, regulation, and problem solving.
​