The words “delay” and “disorder” are often used interchangeably by parents and teachers when talking about a child’s speech/language. I want to help clarify these terms and provide examples so you can better understand the difference.

A delay refers to a child that is developing speech in a typical manner, but not at the same pace as similarly aged peers. A child can have a speech delay, a language delay, or both. Here are some examples:

• Speech Delay: an 18 month old is babbling, but does not attempt to imitate speech sounds and has not spoken his first true word(s)

• Expressive Language Delay: a three year old is speaking in single words, but is unable to combine words to make short phrases, such as “more milk”

• Receptive Language Delay: a two year old understands simple nouns, like “mama” or “car” but is unable to follow simple directions, such as “give to mama” or “sit down”

In each of these examples, the child is displaying appropriate skills for a child younger than him, but is not displaying skills that same age peers are able to display. This can be confusing, so let me use a non-speech example to help explain…

Most often, a child will crawl, then stand, then walk. However, a child may not begin crawling until 10 months, may not stand until 12 months and may not walk until 16 months. This is an example of a delay. The child is still acquiring skills in the order expected, but not at the same pace as similarly aged peers.

A disorder refers to a child that is developing in an atypical, or abnormal manner. Here are some examples of speech/language disorders.

• Speech Disorder: a six year old is repeating sounds and parts of syllables (i.e., “I wwwant the soc-soc-soccer ball”)

• Expressive Language Disorder: a four year is repeating language, also called echolalia (i.e., “I love you, Cole” “I love you, Cole”)

• Receptive Language Disorder: a five year old has difficulty answering basic wh- questions

I hope these examples provide clarity and help you better understand which category your child may fall into. As always, consult with your child’s SLP for the most accurate information specific to your child’s needs.

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