FAQs

• What is the difference between speech and language?

  Language includes listening, speaking, understanding, reading, and writing. Having trouble understanding what others say is a receptive language disorder. Having problems sharing our thoughts, ideas, and feelings is an expressive language disorder. Speech is how we say the sounds that make up words. It is normal for young children to say some sounds incorrectly, as some sounds do not develop until 4 or 5 years old. When a child has trouble saying many sounds, is difficult to understand, or has persistent speech sound errors, a child may have a speech disorder.

• Should I be concerned about my child’s speech?

  Every child develops differently at his/her rate, within developmental expectations. You might be concerned if people have a hard time understanding your child, if your child is often frustrated, or if progress is slow despite receiving therapy at school. Talking with an SLP to consider options can help you make an informed decision.

• What is an Orofacial Myology Disorder (OMD)?

  An OMD is present when the tongue, lips and/or jaw have developed abnormal patterns which in turn, negatively impact speech production, resting tongue position, breathing and/or swallowing.