What is a Speech Impediment and What are the Speech Impediment Types?
A speech impediment, or speech disorder, is when a person (adult or child) is unable to communicate or is unable to communicate in a way that others can understand. A speech impairment can sometimes be an indicator of medical, physical or developmental disorders. Below are some speech impediment types and links to videos from speech language pathologists to help answer questions and guide decision making about when to get treatment.
A speech impediment can make learning to read and write harder for children if left untreated or unsupported. It may be challenging for children with speech problems to socialize as well. Some speech problems, such as tongue tie and cleft palate, can be surgically remedied but these kids may also need speech therapy to help get their skills back on track. Speech therapy is frequently used to help those with speech problems.
What are Some Speech Impediment Types?
Here are some common speech impediments are:
- Stuttering: This condition might be due to a developmental delay, a history of stuttering in the family or an indication of a neurological issue.VIDEO: What parents need to know about toddler stuttering:
- Articulation errors: This can occur when a child’s tongue or other parts of the mouth are not in the proper position and they are unable to create spoken sounds. A child can have a problem producing the “F” or “R” sound and as well as having a lisp. A more severe speech problem might be due to a phonological disorder.
VIDEO: How to work on the F sound with your child at home:
VIDEO: Different Types of Lisps
- Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia): According to ASHA, this is a “partial fusion-or in rare cases, total fusion-of the tongue to floor of the mouth due to an abnormality of the lingual frenulum.
- Apraxia: This condition happens when a child’s brain can’t coordinate the muscles that enable speech.VIDEO: Getting the right diagnosis for Apraxia of Speech
Is there a difference between a speech impediment and a language disorder?
Yes. When your child has difficulty understanding what is being said to them or when others have difficulty understanding what your child is saying, they may have a language delay or disorder. Your child, for example, may use one word when they mean to use another, or not know the right word for a common object. They may also have a hard time following instructions.
What Should Parents Do if They Notice a Speech Impediment?
The majority of speech impediments can’t be predicted or avoided. If you find your child is having trouble speaking or is not speaking at all, contact your pediatrician or a speech therapist so that they can evaluate your child’s speech, identify any potential issues, and make recommendations for how you might assist your child.
Each sort of speech impediment necessitates a unique therapy approach. Speech therapy, in general, can make a big difference for kids whose speech difficulty is due to another condition (like autism) or if the origin is unknown.
Therapy Works Together – Online Speech Therapy for Children and Adults
We care about every child and adult achieving their speech, language and communication goals. You can start speech therapy online now with a certified speech language therapist. We’ll discuss your personal needs, develop an individualized treatment plan, and schedule affordable online therapy sessions online at your convenience.
