Strictly speaking, a delay means that children are learning to talk normally, but at a much slower rate than other children, whereas a disorder means that speech or language is developing in an unusual or abnormal way. Having said that, some professionals do not make a clear distinction between speech and language delay and disorder, while others use the term delay to describe any type of speech and language difficulty.

This is one of the first questions a parent will ask about their child. It is also one of the most difficult to answer. Delays in speech and language skills can be associated with genetic, physical and environmental factors, but for most children, an obvious cause is hard to pinpoint. Pre-and perinatal factors such as alcohol consumption during pregnancy, low birth weight and anoxia (lack of oxygen at birth) can be implicated.

A screening is a quick measure to determine if there is a communication problem which needs further evaluation or if communication skills are within the normal range for a person's age.

A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), also referred to as a Speech Therapist, provides therapy services as a communication specialist. SLPs help individuals develop their communication abilities as well as treat speech, language, swallowing, and voice disorders. Individuals of all ages (birth through geriatric population) may have a need of SLP services.

No, it's the opposite! All words are spoken and signed at the same time. When words and signs are used together, the meaning of the word is reinforced so signs can actually speed up the rate at which babies develop good use of language. Signs can also be extremely useful in a multi-lingual environment as a common link to help understanding and communication.

whether the rate and timing sound like adult speech and includes the quality of the voice used in speaking. the sequential accuracy of what is said social relevance and situational appropriateness or pragmatic content of the remarks made and of the non-verbal cues used such as gaze, gestures and body language

Basically, Dyslexia is a language-based reading disorder. It begins as an auditory processing disorder in which a child with normal hearing is easily confused by the sounds of the language. This confusion carries over into the blending of sounds into syllables and then into words. The opposite process of breaking words into parts (syllables and sounds) is also affected. When printed letters are matched to the sounds, the confusion worsens.

When a child has a middle-ear infection, fluid accumulates in the middle ear. This fluid build up causes a temporary hearing loss. If these infections become frequent or if the fluid build up becomes a long standing problem without an active infection, these children have a higher incidence of speech and language disorders. If a child is having to deal with fluctuating hearing loss at the same time he or she is learning to speak, it makes sense that he or she may have some difficulty.

First, a communication needs assessment is conducted on site. This includes a detailed speech analysis and analysis of the unique workplace communication needs. Goals are usually met within a short period of time. All participants are expected to have strong company and family support along with required regular daily self-directed practice.

Payment for services is accepted through corporate or private payment. Companies classify the services under professional training, professional development and health and wellness.

A speech-language pathologist is a qualified professional who conducts assessments, makes diagnoses, plans and treats individuals with speech, language or communication problems.

Medical Specialists such as Ear Nose & Throat consultants, Neurologists, Paediatricians, Psychiatrists etc)

In Malaysia , you will find them working in the private practice, at schools, centres, hospitals and university clinics. To obtain a list of qualified practitioners, you can contact the Malaysian Association of Speech-language and Hearing (MASH) at mash1995@yahoo.com . A link to their website is provided in our LINKS page. speecHelp™ also provides speech therapy services. If you need further information on speech therapy, do feel free to write to us at enquiry@speechelp.com

Some professionals do seem to use these terms interchangeably to mean the same thing. Others will use just one of these terms for any type of speech or language difficulty. However, many speech and language therapists make a clear distinction between the three terms which parents often find helpful. Where the distinction is made, speech refers to the ability to articulate the sounds that make up language ('b', 'w', 'sh' etc.) clearly and accurately.

For more information see (hyperlink): website page on speech and language difficulties, Lost for Words, glossary sheets, and Getting extra help for your child's speech and language

Where a child's difficulties are solely with speech or language, this is generally described as a primary and specific speech and/or language impairment or specific speech and/or language impairment. Specific in this context means that the difficulties are confined to speech and/or language.

The Afasic glossary sheets nos. 5-27 describe a range of specific speech and language impairments, and a number of other conditions that impact on the development of speech and language impairment.

Speech and language therapy is an intervention service for children and young people (and adults) with communication difficulties, (and also eating and drinking difficulties). The aim of therapy is to enable children and young people to reach their fullest potential in terms of their speech, language and communication development, which in turn will enable them to function and participate more fully in all aspects of daily life.

Speech and language therapists are trained to diagnose and treat speech, language and communication impairments in children or adults, though the majority work with children. Practising speech and language therapists must have qualified by studying an accredited course at a university or other higher education institution, and must be registered with the Health Professions Council.

Speech and language difficulties may result from conditions existing of birth, developmental delays, functional disorders, or neurological impairments.