Speech and Language Disorders: Differences, Symptoms and Causes

Speech vs language disorder? But they're essentially the same thing, you might say. As laypeople, we consider the terms "speech" and "language" generally concerned with verbal expression. Experts in the field would tell you this is not so and that the meanings of these terms are very different.

Understanding speech disorders and language disorders require differentiation between these concepts and the knowledge that speech-language pathologists recognize there are clear distinctions between the two. It is also pertinent to acknowledge that while speech and language disorders generally occur separately, they can also be experienced by an individual simultaneously.

Speech and language disorders are not confined to children. Many adults also have trouble with speech and language disorders. But speech and language therapy can have an immense impact on these disorders, and there is no harm in approaching a speech-language pathologist for guidance in navigating this potentially tricky minefield, which has obvious implications for self-esteem and confidence.

This article explains the differences between the disorders and gives ideas on how to help overcome them.

What are the Differences between Speech and Language Disorders?

Differentiating between "speech" and "language" difficulties is a handy starting point that can help you define the issues and how to deal with them. "Speech" covers the sounds and combinations of sounds we make to produce spoken words for communication. These speech sounds are formed using the muscles in the vocal tract, tongue, jaw, and lips in certain coordinated combinations.

A lisp is one example of a common speech impairment where the "S" and "Z" sounds are incorrectly pronounced. This can be corrected in several ways, including by making the individual aware of the problem - some young children may not realize they are creating the sounds incorrectly - correcting tongue placement, and repeating certain words and phrases.

"Language" is a broader term that is conveyed through writing or spoken or communicated via appropriate facial and hand gestures and body language. It covers a system of words and symbols that bear meaning.

In the case of autistic people, for instance, the ability to interpret facial expressions accurately and respond appropriately is affected by how quickly the expression is produced and how strongly it is conveyed. Still, with a bit of patience and time, this recognition can be taught. Therapists might use card games that match the expression to the emotion or show video examples to teach this concept.

Another language disorder is aphasia. This condition compromises the individual's ability to read, write, and even fathom numerical concepts. It can cause difficulties in comprehending and producing language. Fast or lengthy sentences may leave them feeling bamboozled, and they may struggle to come up with words to express themselves.

Keeping an Eye on Milestones

Children typically understand more than they can communicate between two and three years. While children develop at their own pace, some indicators cannot be ignored. If they don't understand their name or simple commands such as "No!" by age one, or if they are not saying basic words by 14 to 16 months, and cannot answer simple who, what, and where questions by age three, there may be cause for concern. At three years, they should also be able to make themselves understood by people outside of the family.

Other signs that all is not well in speech and language development include obvious repetitions or hesitations in speech after age five, poor vocabulary, or an inability to tell a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. A pediatrician can refer you to a speech-language pathologist to help you determine whether a speech or language problem is evident.

If you're concerned about your child's development, click HERE to get a free guide on early speech and language development in children. The guide explains typical milestones and allows you to do the sleuthing necessary to uncover the mysteries of where problems may lie and how you can use everyday interaction to improve your child's language skills.

What Can We Deduce About Speech Disorders?

From the examples above, it is obvious that speech and language disorders are two completely different animals, and often, the disorders are not so elementary that they can be reduced to problems with verbal expression.

On the one end of the scale are those who struggle to convey meaning, even though their vocabulary may be extensive, and they may have little trouble understanding language and words' meaning. Instead, they cannot make themselves understood because they cannot produce sounds accurately.

A "speech disorder" generally refers to challenges relating to the production of specific sounds or sound combinations. Speech disorders also affect the accuracy of sounds, as in the case of a lisp.

Toddlers learning to speak may substitute or distort normal speech sounds. A three-year-old may use the "F" sound instead of the "TH," so you might hear them say, "I fink I heard funder" instead of "I think I heard thunder." This would be seen as a speech impairment in a five-year-old because, by that age, the articulation should have been corrected.

What are the Types of Language Disorders?

Language disorders can relate to difficulties in comprehending what words and phrases mean. Those affected by a language disorder often battle to communicate with others appropriately, even if they can speak clearly and articulate the sounds properly. In other words, their ability to decipher and employ language is affected.

There are two varieties of language disorders – acquired and developmental. An acquired language disorder results from another medical condition, such as neurological illness, brain injury, or stroke. Usually, language disorders are developmental, and indications will become apparent in early childhood. They are often hereditary and do not indicate a lack of mental capacity. A language disorder is usually confined to difficulties in conveying meaning to others, but subjects often tend to cope fairly well with the rigors of the school curriculum.

Expressive Language disorder is one of the more common types of language disorder. Ill health or traumatic brain injury can also result in a receptive language

disorder. Sometimes expressive and receptive disorders are experienced at the same time.

What are the Signs of an Expressive Language Disorder?

These are several indicators that someone has an expressive language disorder. Generally, those with an expressive language disorder have a difficult time expressing and making themselves understood. They may have a limited vocabulary and will resort to abrupt or one-word responses or leave out words altogether when speaking because they have difficulty retrieving words that express what they are trying to say.

They may even use these words incorrectly or substitute generic words like "thing" or "stuff" because they struggle to find the appropriate word. With the support and correct treatment of a qualified speech-language pathologist, someone who experiences an expressive language disorder can develop a good understanding and use of language. A speech-language pathologist can assist in the case of both acquired and developmental language disorders.

How Can Speech Therapy Help with a Language or Speech Disorder?

The correct early diagnosis and intervention are key in treating language disorders. A language disorder can cause emotional, social, and academic problems if not treated timeously. If you are not sure whether there is a definite problem, contact a speech-language pathologist for guidance today.

It is not uncommon that those affected by language disorders will avoid interacting altogether. They can become so frustrated or embarrassed that they shy away from conversations with classmates, teachers, colleagues, and even friends. A qualified speech-language pathologist who understands verbal cues and the cognitive connections to communication issues can assist in improving comprehension, delivery of speech, confidence, and overall ability to communicate. Training the mind to listen, watch and interact can help the individual make sense of the patterns and rules of spoken speech and language.

Just as the characteristics of speech and language disorders vary widely, so does speech therapy for speech and language disorders. It may surprise you that

speech and language specialists evaluate and treat a variety of disorders and that indications for referral include difficulty in the areas of not only impaired speech but comprehending the spoken word, reading, writing, problem-solving, coughing during or after ingesting food or drink, weight loss or dehydration.

Talking to children in the home and listening attentively to them when they are responding to you is one of the best ways to improve their speech and language skills. Reading is a worthwhile activity too. It helps build up vocabulary and can improve your child's language development. Questioning the child and answering their questions helps engage them in the activity.

Online Speech Therapy Services Available

At Linguabilities, we offer full speech therapy services from licensed professionals who can screen and assess speech and language skills.

If you’re in need of an online program to help you overcome speech barriers and change the way you communicate, book your free 15-minute discovery session today.