Many parents hear the terms speech delay and language delay and assume they mean the same thing. While they are closely related, they describe different areas of communication development.
Understanding the difference between speech and language can help you recognise your child’s strengths, identify areas of concern, and know when to seek support from a speech pathologist.
The short answer
Speech is how we say sounds and words. Language is how we understand and use words to communicate.
A child with a speech delay may know what they want to say but have difficulty producing sounds clearly.
A child with a language delay may have difficulty understanding words, learning new vocabulary, putting words together, or communicating their thoughts and ideas.
Some children experience difficulties with speech, some with language, and some experience challenges in both areas.
What is speech?
Speech refers to the way we produce sounds and words. It involves coordinating the lips, tongue, jaw and other muscles needed for talking.
Speech includes:
- Producing speech sounds correctly
- Being understood by others
- Speaking clearly
- Using an appropriate voice
- Speaking smoothly and fluently
A child with speech difficulties may:
- Be difficult for others to understand
- Leave sounds out of words (for example, saying “ca” instead of “cat”)
- Replace sounds with easier sounds (for example, saying “tat” instead of “cat”)
- Continue making speech errors beyond the expected age
- Become frustrated when others cannot understand them
A child with a speech delay may have strong language skills and know many words but have difficulty saying those words clearly.
What is language?
Language is how we understand and communicate meaning. It includes the words we use, how we put words together, and how we understand what others say.
Language has two main areas:
Receptive language (understanding)
Receptive language refers to a child’s ability to understand spoken language.
Children with receptive language difficulties may:
- Have difficulty following instructions
- Need information repeated frequently
- Find it challenging to answer questions
- Have difficulty understanding concepts such as size, time or location
- Seem unsure about what has been said
Expressive language (using words)
Expressive language refers to a child’s ability to communicate their thoughts using words and sentences.
Children with expressive language difficulties may:
- Have fewer words than expected for their age
- Take longer to learn new words
- Use shorter sentences
- Have difficulty explaining ideas
- Struggle to tell stories or retell events
- Become frustrated when trying to communicate
Can my child have both a speech delay and language delay?
Yes. Many children experience challenges with both speech and language.
For example, a child may:
- Have difficulty understanding instructions
- Use fewer words than expected
- Have trouble putting sentences together
- Also have speech sounds that are difficult to understand
A comprehensive speech pathology assessment helps identify whether difficulties relate to speech, language, or both.
What causes speech or language delays?
Communication development varies from child to child, and there is not always one clear cause.
Speech and language difficulties may occur alongside:
- Hearing difficulties
- Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
- Autism
- Developmental delays
- Genetic conditions
- Neurological conditions
Some children experience speech or language difficulties without an identified cause.
A speech pathologist can assess your child’s communication skills and provide guidance about the best next steps.
When should I see a speech pathologist?
If you have concerns about your child’s communication development, it is always appropriate to seek advice.
You may consider a speech pathology assessment if your child:
- Is not using words by around 18 months
- Is not combining words by around 2 years of age
- Is difficult for others to understand
- Has difficulty understanding simple instructions
- Uses fewer words than other children of a similar age
- Becomes frustrated when trying to communicate
- Has lost words or communication skills they previously had
Early assessment can provide reassurance, identify concerns early, and give families practical strategies to support communication development.
How can speech pathology help?
Speech pathology intervention is individualised and based on each child’s communication needs.
Therapy may support:
- Speech sound development
- Vocabulary growth
- Sentence development
- Understanding language
- Social communication skills
- Play skills that support communication
- Parent strategies to encourage communication at home
Speech pathologists work closely with families because the most meaningful communication learning happens during everyday activities, routines and play.
How Unified Speech Pathology can help
At Unified Speech Pathology, we support children, adolescents and adults with a range of communication needs.
Our speech pathologists provide comprehensive assessments to understand each person’s communication profile, identify strengths and areas requiring support, and develop individualised therapy plans.
We believe communication is key. Our approach is family-centred, evidence-based and focused on helping each person communicate confidently in the environments that matter most to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is speech delay the same as being a late talker?
Not exactly. A late talker typically refers to a child who has delayed expressive language development but otherwise has age-appropriate understanding, play and social communication skills. A speech pathologist can help determine whether a child is a late talker or requires further support.
Does a speech delay mean my child has autism?
No. Speech and language delays can occur for many different reasons. Some autistic children have communication differences, but not all children with speech or language delays are autistic.
Will my child’s speech delay resolve on its own?
Some children who are late to talk will catch up, while others may continue to experience language difficulties. An assessment can help identify your child’s individual communication profile and whether support is recommended.
Should I wait and see?
If you are concerned about your child’s communication, seeking advice early is recommended. Early support can help families understand their child’s needs and provide strategies to encourage communication development.
References
- Speech Pathology Australia. (n.d.). Communication Milestones. Speech Pathology Australia.
https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au - Speech Pathology Australia. (n.d.). Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).
https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au - Raising Children Network. (n.d.). Speech and language development: 0–8 years. Australian parenting website funded by the Australian Government.
https://raisingchildren.net.au - Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (n.d.). Healthy Development and Wellbeing resources.
https://www.health.gov.au - American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). Speech Sound Disorders and Developmental Language Disorder.
https://www.asha.org
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not replace an individual assessment by a qualified speech pathologist. If you have concerns about your child’s communication development, seek advice from a speech pathology professional.
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