Understanding Common Speech & Language Disorders in Children

Speech therapist working with a child during a play-based speech therapy session

Children develop communication skills at different rates, but some experience challenges that affect how they speak, understand language, or interact with others. Speech and language disorders can influence learning, friendships, emotional well-being, and long-term success if left unaddressed.

This page provides a clear overview of common speech and language disorders in children and connects you to in-depth guides that explain signs, causes, and how speech therapy can help.

Speech disorders affect how sounds and words are produced, while language disorders impact understanding and expressing ideas using words and sentences.

How Communication Disorders Can Affect a Child

Speech and language challenges may influence:

  • Academic performance
  • Social relationships
  • Emotional confidence
  • Daily communication at home and school
  • Future education and career opportunities

Early identification and appropriate support can make a meaningful difference.

Types of Communication Disorders in Children

Speech Sound Disorders

Speech sound disorders affect how clearly a child produces sounds and words. Children may have difficulty with specific sounds, sound patterns, or coordinating speech movements.

👉 Learn more about Speech Sound Disorders

Language Disorders

Language disorders impact how a child understands and uses words, sentences, and meaning. These challenges may affect comprehension, expression, vocabulary growth, and social communication.

👉 Learn more about Language Disorders

Autism Spectrum–Related Communication Differences

Children on the autism spectrum may experience differences in social interaction, conversation skills, verbal language, and non-verbal communication.

👉 Learn more about early signs of autism in children

Specialized Communication Challenges

Fluency Disorders (Stuttering)

Fluency disorders affect the rhythm and flow of speech and may include repetitions, sound prolongations, or speech blocks.

Learn more about fluency and stuttering in children

Voice Disorders

Voice disorders affect vocal quality, pitch, volume, or endurance and may cause a child’s voice to sound hoarse, breathy, or strained.

Learn more about Voice Disorders

Feeding & Swallowing Disorders

Some children experience difficulty eating, drinking, or swallowing safely. These challenges may affect nutrition, growth, and mealtime participation.

 Learn more about feeding and swallowing disorders

Cleft Palate & Craniofacial Conditions

Children with cleft palate or related conditions may require specialized speech support to improve clarity and resonance as they grow.

 Learn more about Cleft Palate and speech therapy

Selective Mutism

Selective mutism is an anxiety-based communication disorder in which a child is unable to speak in certain settings despite speaking comfortably in others.

 Learn more about Selective Mutism

Speech Therapy for Children with Cancer

Children undergoing cancer treatment may experience temporary or lasting communication challenges related to medical care, fatigue, or cognitive changes.

 Learn more about speech therapy for children with cancer

When to Seek Help

If you have concerns about your child’s speech, language, feeding, or communication skills, a licensed speech-language pathologist can provide a comprehensive evaluation and individualized support.

Early intervention helps children build confidence, strengthen communication, and reach their full potential.

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