Language is any form of communication whether spoken, written, or gestural.  It can be broken down into two components: receptive and expressive.  Spoken language requires both receptive listening and expressive speaking. Written language includes both reading (receptive) and writing (expressive). Communication can occur with the understanding of gestures (e.g. pointing, facial expressions, body language), sign language, or by exchanging picture symbols.  People who are nonverbal may also communicate with an Augmentive and Alternative Communication (AAC) device.  

All these types of language have their own set of rules for the correct use of phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics in communication.  

If a child is not meeting the typical developmental milestones for their age group, they may have a language disorder.  We offer comprehensive evaluations in order to determine the presence or absence of a language disorder.

Fluency in speech refers to a speech disorder called stuttering or stammering.  Stuttering is characterized by sound/word repetitions, prolongations (i.e. stretching out a sound), or blocks (i.e. as if the words cannot come out).  It is normal for all people to stutter sometimes, especially when we are nervous or rushed.  If stuttering is evident in most of a person's speech, it may impede the message they are trying to communicate.  Stuttering can result from neurogenic or psychogenic issues.  It may also run in a family.  Children who stutter can learn techniques to help them reduce the amount of stutters in their speech.  We can diagnose the presence or absence of a fluency disorder with a thorough evaluation in this area.  

 Articulation, or speech sound, disorders occur when sound errors or substitutions are made in place of correct sounds (i.e. saying "wabbit" for "rabbit").  Difficulties in this area can be a result of neurological disorders (i.e. cerebral palsy), structural problems (i.e. cleft palate), or sensory causes (i.e. hearing loss).  Speech sound disorders can also exist where there is no underlying cause.  There are differences in sound acquisition milestones for girls and boys.

Young children will normally simplify adult speech as they learn to talk.  However, if a child continues to have difficulty producing appropriate speech beyond their developmental milestones, they may have a speech sound disorder.  We can diagnose the presence or absence of a speech sound disorder with a screening or an evaluation. 

Note: A speech sound disorder is not the same as a speech difference,  such as an accent or regional dialect.  Learning a new language or more than one language at a time will not result in a speech disorder in typically developing children.  

Pragmatic Language is the social use of language.  It involves taking turns when conversing, socializing with others and using language for a variety of purposes.  Language can be used to gain information, comment, or greet others.  Understanding social conventions, or rules for conversation, is an import part of social language.  Turn taking skills, understanding body language, gestures or facial expressions are all part of Pragmatic Language.  At UTLEY Speech Therapy, we can diagnose and treat Pragmatic Language disorders.