At Mind Grove, we understand that many parents start worrying when their child shows them the signs of difficulties in communication. There are two common issues that can create confusion among parents to understand whether the child is facing a speech delay or has a language disorder. It is true that both affect the communication but both are different in terms of their nature, causes and treatment as well. It is very crucial to understand these differences to ensure that the children receive the right help at the right time.
What is Speech Delay?
Basically, it refers to a situation where the child does not develop speech as fast as it is expected. It can be related to a delay in the physical production of the sounds such as articulating words and clarity of the speech. That does not always mean that there is something that has gone wrong or there is some underlying issue be it in terms of comprehending the language or using it directly. According to the Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth (CHSCY), 4.4% of children aged 1 to 17 had accessed a speech-language pathologist in the past year.
Symptoms of speech delay in a child:
- They have trouble pronouncing the certain words and sounds.
- They speak less clearly than children of the same age.
- They struggle to form the sentences correctly.
- They produce fewer words as compared to their peers.
What is Language Disorder?
On the other hand, a language disorder refers to a different condition which hinders the ability of a child to understand, process and use the language in a meaningful way. A child with a language disorder may have problems both in producing the speech and writing known as “expressive language” and the understanding of what others say which is generally referred to as “receptive language”.
Symptoms of language disorder in a child:
- They have difficulty in understanding the simple sentences as well.
- They struggle to follow the instructions properly.
- They use incorrect or inappropriate grammar in their speech.
- They have limited vocabulary and often fail to use words in the right context.
Key Differences Between Speech Delay and Language Disorder
It is true that both the speech delay and language disorder can impact a child’s communication skills but there are several important differences as well to keep in mind:
Speech Delay
What is affected?
The child faces trouble making the speech sound clear.
Can the child understand language?
Yes, they usually understand what others say.
Is the child’s thinking affected?
No, their thinking and understanding are fine.
Will the child catch up with help?
Yes, most children with speech delays improve over time with early support.
Example: Says “tat” for “cat” but knows what a cat is.
Language Disorder
What is affected?
The child faces trouble understanding or using the words properly.
Can the child understand language?
Well, they may not understand that what is being said to them.
Is the child’s thinking affected?
Sometimes, their ability to think and express thoughts is also affected.
Will the child catch up with help?
Children with a language disorder may need longer therapy and more support over time.
Example: Says “I go store” instead of “I went to the store” and may not understand what “went” means.
What Causes These Problems?
There are so many things that can lead to speech or language problem but here are some main causes which can cause these problems:
- Hearing loss
- Brain development process
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Family history of speech or language issues
- Lack of speaking practice or social interaction
However, sometimes there is no clear or specific underlying reason for these problems.
Why Early Help Matters
According to the Ontario Association for Families of Children with Communication Disorders (OAFCCD)In Ontario, up to 15% of children begin kindergarten with communication challenges. These difficulties can affect learning, friendships, and emotional growth if left untreated.
Well, identifying and addressing speech and language issues at the earliest possible stage can help to improve a child’s ability to speak, listen and thrive. Basically, the earlier the support begins the better it turns out to be for a child facing such issues. According to a Canadian Paediatric Society review, children with language disorders are at higher risk for anxiety, depression, and social isolation if not supported early. Also, child’s brains are especially receptive in their early years to learn new things and adapting them as a part of their overall growth. This is the best time to build strong language skills. Without the proper intervention, these problems may continue and affect school performance, peer relationships and self-esteem as well.
How Mind Grove ABA Therapy Centre Inc. Can Help
At Mind Grove, we provide personalized and compassionate care for the children with speech and language disorders. Our team of certified speech-language pathologists works closely with children and their families to deliver the most effective and enjoyable therapy experiences.
Let’s understand how we support your child’s communication journey:
- First of all, we conduct a thorough assessment of your child’s speech and language skills.
- Then, we build an individualized therapeutic plan which is tailored to your child’s needs.
- Therapy sessions include engaging activities and games to make learning fun and motivating.
- We involve parents and caregivers by offering guidance, tips, and strategies for home practice.
Access to public speech therapy in Canada depends on the province. For example, in Ontario, services are offered through the Preschool Speech and Language Program (PSLP), but coverage and wait times differ. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), one in 50 children aged 5 to 17 in Canada has autism, and many of them experience language delays or communication difficulties.
Final Thoughts
We have discussed that understanding the differences between the speech delay and language disorder helps you as a parent to take the right and necessary steps for your child’s speech development. We have also discussed that a speech delay means your child is just learning to talk but a little bit late. On the other hand, a language disorder means your child needs more help with the words and understanding them. According to Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC), early intervention leads to better outcomes in speech and language development and can prevent problems in reading and learning later in school. At Mind Grove, we are here to guide you and your child at every step of the way. You can reach out to us anytime if you have questions or want to learn more.
