Many different types of speech-language disorders can affect people of all ages. Some disabilities are more common in kids, while others predominantly affect adults. The four main types of speech-language pathologies are articulation disorders, fluency disorders, language impairment & expressive communication disorder. Each has unique characteristics that make diagnosis & treatment challenging for clinicians & families alike. 

This post will provide an overview of the causes & symptoms of speech-language disorders & four primary areas of speech-language pathology, focusing on how they can impact pre-teens & autistic individuals.

So keep reading to understand the four different areas of speech-language disorders.

Causes of Speech-Language Disorders

There are many different causes of speech-language disorders.

  • Some disorders are caused by physical problems, such as damage to the vocal cords or issues with the structure of the mouth or throat. 
  • Other conditions are caused by neurological problems, such as cerebral palsy or Parkinson’s disease. 
  • Still, others are caused by developmental delays or hearing loss.

Regardless of the cause, speech-language disorders can be very frustrating for children & adults. Know that you are not alone if you or your child is struggling with a speech disorder. Specialists at Theracare Pediatric Services are always available to help you cope with the condition & get the treatment you need.

Symptoms of Speech-Language Disorders

There are many symptoms of speech-language disorders, which can make it challenging to identify the condition in a child. However, there are some common signs to look for. 

For example, a child with a speech disorder may have trouble pronouncing certain sounds or may speak in a monotone voice. 

A child with a language disorder may have trouble understanding what others are saying or may have difficulty expressing himself. 

If you suspect your child has a speech or language disorder, it is essential to seek professional help.

Different Types of Speech-Language Disorders

There are many different types of speech-language disorders, each with its own symptoms & challenges. Some common types of speech-language conditions include:

  • Receptive Language Disorder

Receptive language disorder is a speech & language disorder where a person has difficulty understanding spoken language. They may also have difficulty following directions, answering questions, or engaging in conversations. 

Receptive language disorder can range from mild to severe. It can impact a person’s communication ability at home, school, or work.

  • Pragmatic Language Disorder

Pragmatic language disorder is a condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate effectively in social situations. It can make it hard for someone to understand the social rules of communication, such as turn-taking, eye contact & body language. 

People with a pragmatic language disorder may also have trouble with inflection ( changes in pitch or voice quality to convey meaning), word choice & sentence structure. 

This can make it difficult for them to be understood by others.

  • Apraxia

Apraxia is a motor speech disorder that makes it hard to produce the correct sounds when speaking. It can be hard to say certain words or put together a sentence. 

People with apraxia often know what they want to say, but their brain has trouble sending the right signals to the muscles needed for speech. 

Apraxia can be mild, moderate, or severe. It can happen in children & adults.

  • Fluency

Fluency is the flow of speech. If a person has a fluency disorder, their address may sound choppy, like they’re stuttering. 

Fluency disorders can make it hard for a person to get their ideas out, & they may avoid speaking because it’s so frustrating.

If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek out professional help. A Speech Therapist at Theracare Pediatric Services can assess the severity of the disorder & develop a treatment plan to help improve communication skills.

Theracare Pediatric Services – Get A Comprehensive Speech & Language Evaluation

Speech Therapy

A speech therapist teaches a young boy how to sound out words.

There are many types of speech & language disorders, which can make it difficult to know where to start if you or someone you know is struggling with communication. However, by familiarizing yourself with the different types of disorders, you can better understand the condition and get the necessary treatment. 

If you suspect that you or someone you know has a speech or language disorder, the first step is to visit a healthcare professional for an evaluation. Theracare Pediatric Services can provide comprehensive speech & language assessments to help identify any disorders. We develop an individualized treatment plan and perform quarterly progress reports to ensure meaningful therapy is being provided. 

Top Frequently Asked Questions About Speech-Language Disorders

1. What Are Speech-Language Disorders?

Speech-language disorders make it difficult for a person to speak or understand spoken language. There are many different types of speech-language disorders, each with its own symptoms & challenges.

2. What Causes Speech Language Disorders?

The cause of a speech-language disorder may be due to various factors, including neurological damage, hearing loss, or developmental delays. In some cases, the cause is unknown.

3. How Do I Know If My Child Has A Speech Language Disorder?

If you suspect your child has a speech or language disorder, it is essential to seek professional help. A Speech Therapist at Theracare Pediatric Services can assess the severity of the disorder & develop a treatment plan to help improve communication skills.

4. How Are Speech Language Disorders Diagnosed?

A Speech Therapist at Theracare Pediatric Services can provide a comprehensive speech & language assessment to help identify any disorders. We develop an individualized treatment plan & perform quarterly progress reports to ensure meaningful therapy is being provided.

5. What Are The Treatments For Speech Language Disorders?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating speech-language disorders. However, Speech Therapy can be an effective treatment for many disorders. Speech Therapists work with individuals to improve communication skills through various exercises & activities.

6. Will My Child Outgrow Their Speech-Language Disorder?

In some cases, children may outgrow their speech-language disorder as they age & their brain develops. However, it is important to seek professional help so your child can receive the necessary treatment & support.

7. What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Speech Language Disorders?

If left untreated, speech-language disorders can have a significant impact on a person’s life. Speech-language disorders can cause social isolation, academic difficulties, & employment challenges. It is essential to seek professional help so individuals can receive the treatment & support they need.

8. How Can I Help My Child If They Have A Speech Language Disorder?

If your child has a speech-language disorder, you can do a few things to help. First, it is important to seek professional help so your child can receive the necessary treatment & support. You can also help your child at home by providing opportunities to practice communication skills.

9. What Are The Speech-Language Pathology Services At Theracare Pediatric Services?

The Speech-Language Pathology Services at Theracare Pediatric Services provide comprehensive speech & language assessments to help identify any disorders. We develop an individualized treatment plan and perform quarterly progress reports to ensure meaningful therapy is being provided.

10. Where Can I Find More Information About Speech Language Disorders?

If you would like more information about speech-language disorders, you can visit our Theracare Pediatric Services website. You can also contact Theracare Pediatric Services to speak with a Speech Therapist.