A parent’s excitement to hear their child’s first words can quickly turn to concern if those words are hard to understand. As children grow, their communication skills develop at different paces, and it can be difficult for parents to determine if their child is just a “late talker” or if there’s a more significant issue at play. A key step in getting the right support is understanding the difference between two common communication challenges: an articulation delay and a language delay. While they may seem similar, they affect different aspects of communication and require different therapeutic approaches.
Articulation Delay: The “How” of Speech
An articulation delay, also known as a speech sound disorder, relates to the physical act of producing sounds and forming words. Think of it as a problem with the mouth’s mechanics—the lips, tongue, and jaw—making it difficult for a child to correctly pronounce sounds. A child with an articulation delay knows exactly what they want to say, but listeners may have trouble understanding them. They might substitute one sound for another (saying “wabbit” for “rabbit”), omit sounds entirely (saying “nana” for “banana”), or distort sounds (like a lisp). These are not issues with their thought process or vocabulary; it’s a matter of motor control and the physical execution of speech.
Language Delay: The “What” and “Why” of Communication
In contrast, a language delay is a problem with the content and structure of communication, not just the sounds. Language encompasses two main areas: receptive language (understanding) and expressive language (using words). A child with a language delay may struggle with one or both. They might have a limited vocabulary for their age, have trouble forming sentences, use incorrect grammar, or have difficulty following directions. A child with a language delay might be able to produce sounds clearly, but their communication is limited to single words or simple phrases. For instance, a two-year-old might say “car” when they want to play with a toy, but they are unable to combine words into a phrase like “I want car.”
How to Tell the Difference
The easiest way to differentiate between the two is by looking at the child’s overall communication. If your child’s speech is unclear to listeners—even familiar family members—but they use a wide range of vocabulary and sentences that make sense, they likely have an articulation delay. If your child’s speech is clear, but they are not putting words together, have a limited vocabulary, or struggle to understand what you’re saying, it’s more likely a language delay. It’s important to note that many children have a combination of both. Regardless of which you suspect, if your child’s communication skills are not meeting developmental milestones, the best course of action is to schedule a professional evaluation with a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP). An SLP can accurately diagnose the issue and create a targeted therapy plan to help your child find their voice and communicate with confidence.