Characteristics
Speech or Language Impairment is a problem in communication,and can refer to a child’s language development being significantly below age level. A child's communication is considered delayed when the child is noticeably behind peers in the development of speech and/or language skills. Causes of speech and language disorders can include hearing loss, brain injury or disorder, intellectual disability, drug abuse, physical impairments (such as cleft lip or palate), and vocal issues. The cause may also be unknown.
A speech disorder refers to difficulties producing speech sounds or problems with voice quality. A language disorder refers to difficulties in the ability to understand (receptive language) and/or use words or express thoughts (expressive language). Sometimes a child will have both language and speech delays. In most local school districts, speech/language pathologists will conduct testing which helps to determine if there is a disorder.
Speech or language impairment is one of the categories of disability specified in IDEA. This means that a child with a speech or language impairment may be eligible for special education and related services if it adversely affects their education.