Language Delay vs Disorder: Understanding the Difference

Delays and disorders both affect language development, but have different underlying causes and outcomes. It is vital to work with your care teams to distinguish between what is a delay or disorder and what type of intervention is necessary for each. This article will help parents and caregivers recognize symptoms and understand the role of speech therapy in language delays and disorders.

What Is Normal Language Development in Children?

There are several milestones that you can follow to determine if your child is utilizing specific skills. These are not hard rules, but missing multiple milestones or showing consistent delays across stages may indicate a need for support. The following information is expanded upon in the Verse article “Does My Child Need Speech Therapy?”

Birth to 12 Months

Within the first 12 months, infants can show many degrees of communicative intent, including but not limited to:

• Making cooing and babbling sounds as early forms of vocal play.
• Reacting to sounds and familiar voices (turning head toward a sound, smiling when spoken to).
• Imitating basic sounds or facial expressions.
• Beginning to communicate needs through crying, gestures, or vocalizing intentionally.

12 to 24 Months

Toddlers typically begin using their first words around 12 months and progress rapidly from there. Development can include:

• By 18 months, many children have a vocabulary of around 10–20 words.
• By 24 months, they often start combining two words into short phrases (e.g., “want toy”).
• They should also follow simple instructions and point to familiar objects when named.

2 to 3 Years

From 24 to 36 months, communication growth involves the various components of language and speech developing to more complex stages, such as:

• Vocabulary grows rapidly, and the child begins forming three to four-word sentences.
• Inclusion of grammatical structures such as past tense, present progressive, and possessives.
• Asking ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions
• Recalling simple daily routines like snack time, going to bed, or playing with a toy
• Speech becomes more understandable to family members, though it still may include some sound errors.
• Children start answering basic questions and engaging in short conversations.

3 to 4 Years

Preschoolers’ speech and language become much more refined as their communication continues to develop in an academic setting:

• They speak in full sentences (4+ words) and can be understood by unfamiliar listeners most of the time.
• They understand and use concepts like “big vs small” or “under vs over.”
• They recognize symbols and signs such as “STOP”, street lights, and safety symbols.
• Understands and utilizes prepositions and articles in their speech.
• They ask lots of questions and can hold back-and-forth conversations.

What Is a Language Delay?

A language delay can be described as a slower-than-average progression of language skills. It should be noted that children with delays typically follow the usual path of development, just at a slower pace. Common causes that can contribute to a speech or language delay include, but are not limited to: hearing issues, temporary developmental lags, or limited language exposure.

Signs and Symptoms of Language Delay

Signs and possible symptoms of a language may include, but are not limited to: limited expressive phrases by age two, reduced vocabulary, difficulty following simple directions, or answering basic questions.

Some children may catch up when exposed to intervention, support, or resources such as schooling, early intervention programs, IEP-related services, or private practice outreach.

What Is a Language Disorder?

A language disorder is an ongoing difficulty with understanding or using language that doesn't follow typical development. It can affect both receptive (understanding) and expressive (output) language. Language disorders are more likely to persist without therapy and often require support or intervention.

Signs and Symptoms of Language Disorder

Signs and symptoms of a language disorder may include but are not limited to: difficulty forming meaningful phrases and sentences, poor grammar, or trouble understanding semantic concepts (i.e., colors, shapes, size, categories, etc)..

Other challenges may include storytelling, sequencing, or using appropriate vocabulary in both academic and social settings. These signs are often noticeable in structured settings like preschools..

Language Delay vs Language Disorder: Key Differences

If there is one simplified way to identify a delay from a disorder, it's that a delay follows a typical pattern (albeit slower) while a disorder deviates from developmental patterns. By its nature, a language disorder may involve more complex and lasting difficulties. If you are unsure, it is vital to work with a licensed speech pathologist to receive a thorough diagnosis through a comprehensive assessment.

Is Speech Delay a Learning Disability?

While speech delay isn't classified as a learning disability, it can impact learning. Speech and language delays often only impact communication through the expression of thoughts and conversation, articulation concerns, or understanding of language. While there is certainly overlap between delays and academic impairments, speech and language delays focus on communication. Broader academic impairments may impede reading, writing, mathematics, or executive functioning.

How Speech Therapy Can Help

A speech-language pathologist can assess whether a child has a delay or disorder. Therapy goals like improving vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension. Sessions are personalized to your loved one’s needs and may include play therapy, interactive activities, and opportunities to model language through naturalistic and enriched environments.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you feel your child is falling behind based on the article, do not hesitate to contact your care team about a possible referral to a speech therapist. You are the expert on your child; go with your intuition if you feel that your child has variations in development. The “wait and see” model is typically not recommended, especially for our infants and toddlers. Early intervention can often lead to better communication outcomes and preparedness for academic settings.

Ready to Support Your Child’s Communication Journey?

Determining what is a language delay is from a disorder can be a complex and confusing process. A speech therapist can empower you and your child to build clear communication skills that will help them be successful in the long run. Early intervention can build confidence, reduce frustration, and set up your child for future success!

Start your child's communication journey with Verse Therapy’s selection of professional, licensed speech pathologists of different specializations and experience.