Speech and Language

Speech and Language Disorders

When a person is unable to produce speech sounds correctly or fluently, or has problems with his or her voice, then he or she has a speech disorder. Difficulties pronouncing sounds, or articulation disorders, and stuttering are examples of speech disorders.

When a person has trouble understanding others, or sharing thoughts, ideas, and feelings completely, then he or she has a language disorder.

Both children and adults can have speech and language disorders. They can occur as a result of a medical problem or have no known cause.

Child Speech and Language

Children’s speech and language development follows a typical pattern (see “How Does Your Child Hear and Talk” at http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/chart.htm)

Examples of Speech Disorders

• Childhood Apraxia of Speech
• Dysarthria
• Tongue Thrusting
• Articulation and Phonological Disorders
• Stuttering
• Voice

Language Disorders

• Language-Based Learning Disabilities
• Preschool Language Disorders
• Selective Mutism (Inability or refusal to talk)

Medical and Developmental Conditions

• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• Autism
• Cleft Lip and Palate
• Brain Injury

If you have concerns about your child’s speech or language, consult a speech-language pathologist (ASHA’s Find a Professional).

Adult Speech and Language

Adults may experience speech and language difficulties for a variety of reasons. Specific types of speech and language differences and disorders, as well as conditions that cause them are included below.

Speech Disorders

• Apraxia
• Dysarthria
• Stuttering
• Voice

Language Disorders

• Aphasia

Medical Conditions

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Dementia
• Huntington’s Disease
• Laryngeal Cancer
• Oral Cancer
• Right Hemisphere Brain Injury
• Stroke
• Traumatic Brain Injury