Speech Vs. Language

What do therapists mean when the refer to SPEECH vs. LANGUAGE? Contrary to what most parents think, these terms are not interchangeable, and are in fact, quite different. Though speech therapists treat both, these areas encompass completely different things. Speech involves our sounds and words (often referred to as “articulation”). Difficulty with articulation could present itself in a variety of ways, such as a child saying “duh” for “duck,” “wabbit" for “rabbit,” or if they demonstrate a lateral lisp. Meanwhile, language involves the information we give or receive. If a child struggles with language, they may have trouble receptively (e.g., following directions, understanding questions, etc.), and/or expressively (e.g., producing sentences that are short or grammatically incorrect).

With these differences, it’s important to understand if a child has a speech or language delay, or both. While these areas can and do overlap when it comes to treatment, it’s important for you as parents to understand the specifics of your child’s difficulties so you can comprehend, collaborate, and continue that support at at home. Magnolia Speech Therapy empowers families with tools and strategies to support ongoing practice at home and dedicates time during sessions for parent education and home practice tips. We are committed to being a trusted resource for families, and whenever necessary, we are available to answer questions and provide guidance. It starts with you. Call us today!