Speech vs. Language Disorders: Key Differences Explained

It’s common to hear the terms “speech disorder” and “language disorder” used together — but they refer to different challenges. Understanding the difference is important when determining the right kind of support for your child.

In this article, we’ll break down how speech and language disorders differ and how therapy can help with both.

What Is a Speech Disorder?

A speech disorder affects how a person produces sounds. It’s not about what they say, but how clearly they say it.

Common speech disorders include:

• Articulation disorders (difficulty pronouncing sounds like “r” or “s”)

• Stuttering (interruptions in the flow of speech)

• Voice disorders (problems with pitch, volume, or quality)

These challenges can make it harder for others to understand what the child is trying to say.

What Is a Language Disorder?

A language disorder affects how a person understands or uses words to share ideas.

There are two main types:

• Receptive language disorder – trouble understanding what others are saying

• Expressive language disorder – difficulty expressing thoughts, needs, or stories

Example Differences

A child with a speech disorder might say “wabbit” instead of “rabbit.”

A child with a language disorder might say “want go” instead of “I want to go outside.”