Speech Delay vs. Language Delay: What’s the Difference?
As a parent, it can be difficult to know whether your child is developing communication skills as expected. You may notice that your child isn’t talking as much as other children their age, isn’t pronouncing words clearly, or has trouble following directions. These concerns are common– and one of the first questions many families as us is:
“Does my child have a speech delay OR a language delay?”
Although you may hear Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) use these terms interchangeably, speech and language are two different aspects of communication. Understanding the difference between speech and language can help determine the most appropriate support for your child.
WHAT IS A SPEECH DELAY?
A speech delay refers to how a child says words, or articulation. Speech includes the physical production of sounds that ultimately make up words. A child with a speech delay knows what they want to say but has difficulty producing speech that is clearl and understood by others. Children with a speech delay may be more difficult to understand compared to their peers, leave sounds out of words, substitute sounds, or have difficulty coordinating the motor movements needed for speech production.
In other words, the message is there, but getting the words out clearly is difficulty.
WHAT IS A LANGUAGE DELAY?
A language delay refers to what a child understands and communicates. Language includes receptive and expressive language. Let’s break down what each of those means:
Receptive language:
Receptive language refers to a child’s understanding of language. Receptive language includes following directions, answering questions, understanding age-appropriate vocabulary, and an overall understanding of what is being said.
Expressive language:
Expressive language refers to the language output that is being used. It includes grammar, sentence structure, utterance length, organization of language, and vocabulary.
A child with a language delay may:
Use fewer words than expected for their age.
Have difficulty combining words together to make phrases or sentences.
Struggle to answer questions or tell a story.
Have difficulty following or understanding directions.
Unlike a speech delay, the challenge is not saying the words clearly, it is developing and using language itself.
CAN A CHILD HAVE A DELAY IN BOTH AREAS?
Yes. Many children have both speech and language delays. Because speech and language often develop together, a comprehensive evaluation is the best way to determine exactly what areas, if any, need support
WHEN SHOULD I BE CONCERNED?
Every child develops at their own pace, but if you notice your child is having difficulty understanding language, expressing themselves, or communicating compared to other children their age, it may be worth seeking an evaluation. Early identification allows us to better understand your child's strengths and areas of need so we can provide support as early as possible.
If you have concerns about your child's expressive or receptive language development, we're here to help. A comprehensive speech and language evaluation can determine whether your child would benefit from speech-language therapy and provide recommendations tailored to their individual needs. It can provide valuable information about your child’s strengths, areas of need, and whether therapy would be beneficial.
Early support can make a meaningful difference, and we're happy to answer any questions you may have along the way.
If you've been wondering whether your child's communication skills are developing as expected, trust your instincts. Whether the concern is speech, language, feeding, or another area of communication, we're here to help guide you through the next steps.
Have questions? We'd love to help. Contact Wolff Speech Language & Feeding LLC to learn more about our comprehensive evaluations and individualized therapy services.
