A speech disorder refers to a problem with the actual production of sounds, whereas a language disorder refers to a difficulty understanding or putting words together to communicate ideas.
Speech disorders include:
Articulation disorders: difficulties producing sounds in syllables or saying words incorrectly to the point that listeners can’t understand what’s being said.
Fluency disorders: problems such as stuttering, in which the flow of speech is interrupted by abnormal stoppages, repetitions (st-st-stuttering), or prolonging sounds and syllables (ssssstuttering).
Resonance or voice disorders: 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.
Dysphagia/oral feeding disorders: these include difficulties with drooling, eating, and swallowing.
Language disorders can be either receptive or expressive:
Receptive disorders: difficulties understanding or processing language.
Expressive disorders: difficulty putting words together, limited vocabulary, or inability to use language in a socially appropriate way.
The professionals who are educated to assess speech and language development and to treat speech and language disorders are called speech-language pathologists (sometimes informally referred to as speech therapists). Speech-language pathologists can also help people with swallowing disorders.
Our masters level and nationally certified speech language pathologists are trained in assessment, consultation, and intervention of all communication disorders. Our wide range of specialties include:
- Craniofacial disorders (cleft lip and palate)
- Dysphagia (swallowing disorder)
- Hearing loss/impairment
- Stuttering
- Voice production
- Language disorders
- Feeding difficulties due to medical conditions such as:
- Autism Spectrum Disoders
- Cleft lip and palate
- Picky eaters
- G-tube placement
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
- Auditory Processing Disorders
- American Sign Language
- Apraxia of Speech
- Articulation and Phonological Disorders
- Brain Injury and Neurological Disorders