Common Types of Speech and Language Disorders in Children, Halifax, Nova Scotia
- thriveotns
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
Developing strong communication skills is a vital part of childhood, yet many children experience challenges in this area. In fact, approximately 1 in 14 children are reported to have a speech or language disorder. These challenges can impact a child’s ability to produce sounds, speak fluently, or express themselves clearly.
In this post, we’ll explore the most common types of speech and language disorders in children, how they differ, and how early intervention can make a significant difference.
Speech vs. Language Disorders
Understanding the distinction between speech and language disorders is key, as both impact communication differently:
Speech disorders affect how sounds are formed and spoken. A child may have trouble with pronunciation (articulation), speech rhythm (fluency), or coordination of the muscles used in speech.
Language disorders, on the other hand, affect a child’s ability to understand (receptive language) or express (expressive language) ideas using words, sentences, and gestures.
How These Disorders Affect Children
Speech and language difficulties can influence many aspects of a child's life. Without proper support, children may experience:
Difficulty keeping up with reading and writing tasks
Trouble expressing their thoughts or needs
Poor academic performance and test outcomes
Low self-esteem and frustration
Social withdrawal or reluctance to interact with peers
Challenges following directions or classroom routines
Early assessment and therapy from a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) can significantly improve a child’s communication, boosting confidence and supporting their success both in and out of the classroom.
Common Speech and Language Disorders in Children in Halifax and Across Nova Scotia
1. Articulation Disorders
Children with articulation disorders struggle to pronounce certain speech sounds correctly. These issues may include:
Substitution: Replacing one sound with another (e.g., “wabbit” for “rabbit”)
Omission: Leaving out a sound (e.g., “pay” for “play”)
Distortion: Producing a sound incorrectly but recognizably (e.g., a lisp)
Addition: Inserting extra sounds into words (e.g., “buh-lack” for “black”)
2. Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
Apraxia is a motor speech disorder where the brain has difficulty coordinating the muscle movements needed for speech. Signs may include:
Difficulty producing longer or more complex words
Inconsistent speech errors
Trouble transitioning between sounds or syllables
Voicing errors (e.g., “pie” instead of “bye”)
3. Stuttering (Fluency Disorders)
Stuttering affects the flow, rhythm, and pace of speech. Children who stutter may:
Repeat sounds, syllables, or words
Prolong certain sounds (e.g., “ssssssnake”)
Use filler words (e.g., “um”)
Struggle to get words out or pause unexpectedly
Stuttering often becomes more noticeable during stressful or high-pressure situations.
4. Expressive and Receptive Language Disorders
Expressive Language Disorder: A child has difficulty using words and sentences to express ideas. Signs may include:
Limited vocabulary
Incorrect or incomplete sentences
Difficulty organizing thoughts when speaking or writing
Receptive Language Disorder: A child has trouble understanding what others say. Signs may include:
Difficulty following directions
Seeming to “tune out” during conversations
Misunderstanding jokes or figurative language
Giving off-topic or incorrect responses
5. Phonological Disorders
Phonological disorders involve difficulty understanding the sound rules of a language. Unlike articulation issues, the problem lies in the brain’s processing of sound patterns. Children may:
Replace sounds in patterns (e.g., “pog” for “dog”)
Drop syllables or sounds (e.g., “ca” instead of “cat”)
Repeat syllables (e.g., “baba” for “baby”)
6. Dysarthria
Dysarthria is caused by weakness in the muscles used for speech, often due to neurological conditions. This can affect the lips, tongue, throat, and more. Symptoms may include:
Slurred or slow speech
Uneven rhythm or volume
Difficulty moving facial muscles
Speech that is hard to understand
How can we help? Speech Therapy in Halifax, Bedford and HRM.
Speech and language disorders can impact every part of a child’s daily life—from academic achievement to emotional well-being. The good news is that with the help of a Speech-Language Pathologist, many children make significant progress in their communication skills.
Early identification and intervention are key to helping children express themselves confidently, connect with others, and thrive both socially and academically.
Book a free consult with one of our Speech Therapists supporting clients in Halifax, Bedford and across Nova Scotia!
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