Speech Delays & Disorders

While the majority of the cases for speech-language pathologists are centred on language delays and disorders, there is also a need to address speech delays and disorders. Speech generally refers to articulation, voice and fluency (stuttering or cluttering).

Articulation is often identified when a person can not produce sounds and they occur as substitutions, distortions or omissions. As an example, when a person is faced with lateral and frontal speech errors, it would be common to mispronounce ‘sh’, ‘ch’ or ’s’ sounds while speaking. This can, however, be corrected and it’s worth noting that in the majority of cases these problems do not disappear on their own and children will not outgrow it. It is important to seek intervention, as the errors will persist into adulthood.

There are varying degrees of speech delays and disorders and at times language and speech disorders are present at the same time. If there are no motor speech challenges, with intervention, articulation can be corrected.

With regard to fluency (stuttering), there are many causes. It can refer to different types of speech disruptions such as repetitions, prolongations and blocks; it can also refer to a broader communication disorder. This can include observable speech disruptions such as tension and struggle, avoidance, emotional and cognitive reactions.

At the Brandon Speech and Language Clinic, we provide assessment and intervention to support our clients facing speech delays and disorders.