Developmental Disorder of Speech and Language
What is Developmental Disorder of
Speech and Language in children?
Every child develops speech and language skills at their own pace, but there are expected milestones that most children reach within certain age ranges. When a child has persistent difficulty understanding language, expressing themselves, or producing speech sounds compared to their peers, they may have a Developmental Disorder of Speech and Language.
These challenges are not caused by a lack of intelligence or effort. Instead, they occur because the brain has difficulty developing the skills needed for speech and language. With early intervention, children can make significant progress and build the communication skills they need for success at home, school, and in the community.
A developmental speech and language disorder is a condition that affects a child’s ability to:
- Understand spoken language
- Use words and sentences to communicate
- Pronounce speech sounds clearly
- Organize thoughts into meaningful conversations
- Learn new vocabulary
- Follow directions
- Participate in social communication
Some children primarily have difficulty speaking clearly (speech disorder), while others struggle with understanding or using language (language disorder). Many children experience challenges in both areas.
Speech Disorder vs. Language Disorder
Although the terms are often used together, they are different.
Speech Disorders
Speech disorders affect how a child produces sounds. This may include:
- Difficulty pronouncing words
- Omitting sounds
- Substituting one sound for another
- Stuttering
- Difficulty coordinating the muscles needed for speech
Language Disorders
Language disorders affect how a child understands or uses language. Children may struggle with:
- Learning new words
- Forming sentences
- Understanding questions
- Following directions
- Telling stories
- Having conversations
Signs & Symptoms of Spina Bifida
Signs and Symptoms by Age
Babies (Birth–12 Months)
Parents may notice:
- Limited babbling
- Few attempts to imitate sounds
- Limited eye contact
- Doesn’t respond consistently to their name
- Doesn’t turn toward voices
- Limited gestures such as pointing or waving
Toddlers (1–2 Years)
Signs may include:
- Says very few words
- Doesn’t combine two words by age 2
- Difficulty following simple directions
- Hard to understand
- Uses gestures instead of words
- Becomes frustrated trying to communicate
Preschoolers (3–5 Years)
Parents might notice:
- Speech difficult for unfamiliar people to understand
- Trouble answering questions
- Short or incomplete sentences
- Difficulty learning new vocabulary
- Trouble telling simple stories
- Frequently leaves words out of sentences
- Mispronounces many speech sounds
- Difficulty playing or communicating with peers
School-Age Children
Signs may include:
- Difficulty following classroom instructions
- Limited vocabulary compared to classmates
- Trouble reading or spelling
- Difficulty answering open-ended questions
- Problems organizing thoughts when speaking
- Difficulty making friends because communication is challenging
- Avoids speaking in class
- Has trouble explaining events or experiences
Common Speech and Language Disorders
Children may be diagnosed with:
- Speech Sound Disorder
- Language Disorder
- Expressive Language Disorder
- Receptive Language Disorder
- Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder
- Childhood Apraxia of Speech
- Phonological Disorder
- Fluency Disorders (stuttering)
- Social Communication Disorder
Why Early Intervention Matters
Communication skills are the foundation for learning, friendships, confidence, and emotional development.
Without support, speech and language challenges may impact:
- Reading readiness
- Academic success
- Social relationships
- Self-confidence
- Behavior
- Emotional regulation
The earlier therapy begins, the greater the opportunity to build strong communication skills during important stages of brain development.
How Therapy Smarts Supports Children with CAPD
While a diagnosis of a speech and language developmental disorder comes with unique challenges, it also comes with incredible potential. At Therapy Smarts, our multidisciplinary team in Durham and Chapel Hill works together to create a customized “roadmap” that helps your child hit their milestones and gain independence.
Because every child is unique, therapy is individualized based on their strengths, goals, and medical needs.
At Therapy Smarts, our pediatric speech-language pathologists provide individualized, play-based therapy designed to meet each child where they are. Our speech therapists begin with a comprehensive evaluation to identify your child’s strengths and areas of need before creating a personalized treatment plan.
Speech Therapy may focus on:
- Building vocabulary
- Improving sentence structure
- Developing conversation skills
- Increasing speech clarity
- Teaching correct speech sounds
- Improving listening comprehension
- Following directions
- Storytelling and narrative skills
- Social communication
- Early literacy readiness
- Family education and home practice strategies
Every session is engaging, motivating, and tailored to your child’s interests.
A Team Approach Makes a Difference
Communication challenges often overlap with other developmental needs. One advantage of Therapy Smarts is that families have access to multiple pediatric specialties under one roof.
Depending on your child’s needs, our speech therapy team may recommend a collaboration with:
- Occupational Therapy for sensory processing, attention, fine motor skills, or self-regulation.
- Physical Therapy if motor development or coordination is affecting communication opportunities.
- Mental Health Services to support anxiety, confidence, emotional regulation, or social skills.
- Psychological Evaluations when additional assessment can help clarify learning, developmental, or behavioral concerns.
- ABA Services for children who may benefit from structured behavioral strategies to support communication and daily living skills.
Our collaborative approach allows therapists to work together and create coordinated goals that support the whole child.
Wondering About Developmental Milestones?
Have questions about your child’s development, or wondering if a certain diagnosis may be a fit? Try out our developmental screening tool— it’s a fast, free way to get a snapshot of your child’s progress on his or her developmental milestones.
Ready to Help Your Child Reach Their Full Potential?
At Therapy Smarts, we don’t believe in a “wait and see” approach. We believe in early, expert intervention that gives your child the tools they need to thrive. Whether you are looking for specialized Down Syndrome support or a comprehensive developmental evaluation, our award-winning team in Durham and Chapel Hill is ready to partner with your family.
Two Easy Ways to Begin:
Contact Us Directly: Ready to schedule? Call us at 919-378-1340.
Fill out our Online Inquiry Form to speak with a member of our intake team.
Don’t navigate this journey alone—let’s unlock your child’s possibilities together