Speech Disorders vs. Language Disorders

Speech Disorders vs. Language Disorders: What’s the Difference and How Can You Spot Them?

Many parents feel confused when their child shows signs of communication difficulties. You might wonder if it’s a speech issue, a language delay, or something else entirely. Understanding the  speech disorders vs language disorders is key to getting your child the right support.

In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between speech and language disorders. We’ll also offer tips on how you can spot these difficulties in your child and when to seek help. If you’re in Bondi Junction or Mascot, we also explain how our team at OneOnOne Children’s Therapy can help.

What is a Speech Disorder?

A speech disorder affects the ability to produce sounds correctly. It relates to how we say words. Children with speech disorders may struggle with speaking clearly, pronouncing words, or controlling their speech patterns.

Here are some common types of speech disorders:

1. Articulation Disorder
   • A child with an articulation disorder has trouble making certain sounds. For example, they might say “wabbit” instead of “rabbit” or “thun” instead of “sun”. These sound errors are common in younger children, but if they persist past a certain age, they may need intervention.
2. Phonological Disorder
   • This involves patterns of sound errors. A child with a phonological disorder may substitute one sound for another or delete sounds from words. For example, saying “do” for “dog” or “tup” instead of “cup”.
3. Fluency Disorder (Stuttering)
   • A fluency disorder disrupts the flow of speech. Children who stutter may repeat sounds, syllables, or words. They might also pause in between words or get “stuck” on certain sounds.
4. Voice Disorder
   • A voice disorder affects the pitch, volume, or quality of a child’s voice. Children with voice disorders might sound hoarse, too loud, too soft, or nasal. Their voice may not match the situation they are in, like whispering when they should be speaking loudly.

What is a Language Disorder?

A language disorder impacts the ability to understand and use words in context. This can include difficulties with vocabulary, grammar, or how to string words together into meaningful sentences. Unlike speech disorders, language disorders aren’t about how well a child can produce sounds. Instead, they affect what the child is trying to communicate.

There are two main types of language disorders:

1. Receptive Language Disorder
   • A child with a receptive language disorder has trouble understanding words and sentences. They may struggle to follow instructions, understand questions, or process what’s being said in a conversation. These children might seem like they aren’t paying attention or have trouble keeping up with others.
2. Expressive Language Disorder
   • A child with an expressive language disorder has trouble expressing themselves. They may have a limited vocabulary, struggle to form sentences, or find it hard to put their thoughts into words. They might use very short sentences or leave out key words, making it hard for others to understand them.

Some children may have a mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, which means they have difficulties both understanding and using language.

Key Differences Between Speech vs Language Disorders

Now that we’ve defined speech and language disorders, let’s look at how they differ.

• Speech disorders affect how a child says words. It’s about the clarity of their speech, their ability to produce certain sounds, or how fluently they speak.
• Language disorders affect what a child is trying to communicate. This involves their ability to understand words, form sentences, and express their ideas clearly.

How to Spot a Speech Disorder

Here are some signs that your child may have a speech disorder:

1. Sound Errors
   • Your child has trouble pronouncing certain sounds, even though they’re old enough to produce them correctly. For example, they may struggle with “s”, “r”, or “th” sounds.
2. Unclear Speech
   • If your child’s speech is hard to understand, especially by people outside the family, it could be a sign of a speech disorder. Children who aren’t understood often become frustrated or withdraw from speaking.
3. Stuttering
   • If your child frequently repeats sounds or words, stretches out sounds, or seems to get stuck on certain words, they may have a fluency disorder.
4. Voice Issues
   • Pay attention if your child’s voice sounds hoarse, too loud, too soft, or unusual for their age. Voice issues could indicate a voice disorder.

How to Spot a Language Disorder

Signs of a language disorder often appear when a child struggles to understand or express themselves.

1. Trouble Following Instructions
   • If your child often seems confused by directions or struggles to follow simple instructions, this may indicate a receptive language disorder.
2. Limited Vocabulary
   • A child with a language disorder may have fewer words than other children their age. They might use very basic words and avoid more complex or specific vocabulary.
3. Short or Incomplete Sentences
   • Children with expressive language disorders may speak in very short sentences or leave out important words, making their speech unclear. For example, they might say “me go shop” instead of “

“I want to go to the shop.”

4. Difficulty Answering Questions
   • If your child finds it hard to answer questions, hold conversations, or tell stories, they may be struggling with a language disorder.

When Should You Seek Help?

It’s normal for young children to make mistakes as they learn to speak and use language. However, some speech and language issues may require professional support.

Here are some signs that it’s time to consult a speech pathologist:

• By 12 months: Your child isn’t babbling or using gestures (like waving or pointing).
• By 18 months: Your child isn’t saying a few single words.
• By 2 years: Your child isn’t combining two words (like “want juice”) or using at least 50 words.
• By 3 years: Your child’s speech is hard to understand by people outside the family.
• At any age: Your child is stuttering, has an unusual voice quality, or seems to struggle with understanding language.

How a Speech Pathologist Can Help

A speech pathologist is trained to assess and treat both speech and language disorders. They will evaluate your child’s communication skills and create a tailored plan to help them improve.

For children with speech disorders, the focus may be on articulation exercises, voice therapy, or strategies to improve fluency. For children with language disorders, therapy might involve vocabulary building, understanding sentence structure, or developing conversational skills.

Early intervention is key to helping children overcome communication challenges. The sooner you address a speech or language disorder, the better the outcome for your child’s development. Don’t fall for some of the common myths that exist about speech and language development.

Conclusion about Speech Disorders vs Language Disorders

Understanding the difference between speech disorders vs language disorders is crucial for supporting your child’s communication development. Speech disorders affect how a child speaks, while language disorders affect what a child is trying to communicate. By recognising the signs of each, you can ensure your child gets the help they need to thrive.

If you’re concerned about your child’s speech or language development, don’t wait. At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot, our experienced speech pathologists can assess your child and provide personalised therapy to meet their needs. Our Speech Pathologists are members of Speech Pathology Australia. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward helping your child communicate confidently.