Is It a Speech Delay or a Language Delay? What Parents Should Know
Many parents come to me saying:
“I think my child has a speech problem.”
That makes total sense. I am a speech-language pathologist, after all. However, here’s something many families don’t realize:
For young children, the concern is often not speech. It’s language.
Understanding the difference between speech and language can help you better understand your child’s development, feel more confident about next steps, and know what therapy is actually targeting. Let’s break it down in plain, parent-friendly terms.
What Is Speech?
Speech refers to how sounds are produced and how clearly a child talks.
Speech includes:
Pronunciation of sounds
Sound patterns (phonology)
Speech clarity and intelligibility
A child with a speech delay or speech disorder may:
Substitute sounds (“wabbit” for “rabbit”)
Leave sounds out (“ca” for “cat”)
Be hard to understand, even though they know what they want to say
Key point:
If your child understands language well and knows what they want to say but has trouble saying it clearly, that is typically a speech concern.
What Is Language?
Language refers to understanding and using words to communicate meaning.
Language includes:
Understanding words and directions (receptive language)
Using words, phrases, and sentences (expressive language)
Vocabulary
Grammar
Combining ideas and concepts
Using language for different purposes (requesting, commenting, asking questions)
A child with a language delay or language disorder may:
Have limited words for their age
Struggle to combine words into phrases or sentences
Have difficulty following directions
Seem to “know” words but not use them consistently
Have trouble answering questions or expressing ideas
Key point:
If your child struggles with understanding language or putting thoughts into words, this is a language concern.
Why Parents Often Think It’s a Speech Problem?
This confusion is extremely common and understandable.
Parents hear:
“Speech therapy”
“Speech therapist”
“Speech delay”
So naturally, when a child isn’t talking much, parents assume it must be speech.
Here’s the truth:
A child needs language before speech can develop.
If a child doesn’t yet have:
Vocabulary
Word combinations
Understanding of language
There is nothing for clear speech to be built on.
Why This Matters Even More for Toddlers and Preschoolers?
In early childhood, language development comes first.
Before a child can articulate sounds clearly, they must be able to:
Understand words
Use words meaningfully
Combine ideas
That’s why many toddlers referred for “speech therapy” are actually working on:
Vocabulary growth
Early sentence structure
Understanding directions
Functional communication during play and daily routines
As language skills improve, speech clarity often improves naturally.
Can a Child Have Both Speech and Language Delays?
Yes. Absolutely.
Some children have:
Only speech concerns
Only language concerns
A combination of both
That’s why a comprehensive speech-language evaluation is so important.
At Speechie Auntie, I look at:
How your child understands language
How they express ideas
How clearly they speak
How they communicate during play, routines, and real-life interactions
Not just how many words they say, but how they use them.
What Parents Should Take Away
If you’re worried about your child’s communication:
· Not talking much doesn’t automatically mean a speech problem
· Many young children have language-based delays
· Supporting language early builds the foundation for clear speech later
No matter what we call it, whether speech or language, the goal is always the same:
Helping your child communicate confidently and successfully.
📍 Speechie Auntie
Private pediatric speech therapy in Leander and surrounding areas
Many parents worry about their child’s speech or language and aren’t sure what’s typical and what might need support. You’re not alone in those questions.
If you’d like guidance, reassurance, or help deciding what to do next, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to talk things through with you.
Ready for support?
If you’re wondering whether your child’s speech or language development is on track, help is available. Reach out to schedule a consultation or ask questions about next steps.
Frequently Asked Question
Is my toddler speech delayed or language delayed?
Many toddlers who aren’t talking much have language delays rather than speech sound disorders. A speech-language pathologist can determine which skills need support.
Written by Sonia Chowdhury Lopez, M.S., CCC-SLP
Owner and Speech-Language Pathologist at Speechie Auntie
