What is Speech?

A speech therapist in a school typically works with students in four areas: articulation, fluency, voice, and language.

1. Articulation: How speech sounds are made (e.g., children must learn how to produce the "L" sound in order to say "Lion" instead of "wion")

2. Fluency: The rhythm and flow of speech (e.g., hesitations or stuttering)

3. Voice: The sound, volume, and resonance of speech (e.g., the voice can be abused from overuse or misuse and can lead to hoarseness or loss of voice).

4. Language: The ability to understand and use words and grammar to communicate.

What is the Difference Between "SPEECH" and "LANGUAGE"?

When a person is unable to produce speech sounds correctly or fluently, or has problems with his or her voice, then he or she has a speech disorder.

When a person has trouble understanding others (receptive language), or sharing thoughts, ideas, and feelings completely (expressive language), then he or she has a language disorder.

A child's ability to communicate effectively is very important to their development. If their communication is impaired, it can significantly affect the child's educational performance, as well as their social and/or emotional development.