Definition
There are many different kinds of speech and language difficulty, but all of them affect communication. Such difficulties may arise from an inability to cope with some aspect of the structure of language (phonological, grammatical or semantic), or with the way language is used to communicate. Pupils may exhibit problems with receptive language (processing the language they hear) and/or with expressive language (verbalising their thoughts and feelings). There is a well-defined pattern of normal phonological and grammatical development. A child with delayed language will go through the same stages of development but at a slower rate, whereas the pupil with a speech and language disorder will deviate from the usual progression and exhibit abnormal development.
Phonological problems will be apparent in the way the child articulates sounds, syllables and words. (Sounds that are produced at the front of the mouth are commonly mastered before those at the back.) Difficulties with grammar or syntax will show up in a faulty word, phrase or sentence structure. (Young children learn to use single words to convey a complete thought, then two- word phrases etc.). Semantic problems may be either receptive, i.e. the child has difficulty understanding what is said, or expressive - the child is unable to convey meaning satisfactorily.
If the problem is not to do with the structure of language, but rather with language in use, the pupil will have difficulty in using spoken language in a meaningful way. This may manifest itself in the child echoing what has been said, or not understanding either how to hold a conversation or to reply appropriately to questions.
Delayed language development may be due to an insufficiently stimulating environment, in which the child is neither spoken to nor encouraged to speak. Conversely, an environment where there is constant noise and activity, but very little conversation, can also be detrimental. Disordered development is more likely to be the result of minimal brain damage, affecting a small but vital area of the brain. Physical abnormalities, such as cleft palate, may lead to problems with articulation, while cognitive difficulties or hearing impairment can also delay the development of speech and language.