Question 1

What is the difference between speech and language?

Accepted Answer

Speech refers to the way our bodies say sounds and words. It answers the question "How do you sound when you speak?" Speech includes articulation, fluency, and voice.

Language refers to our ability to understand the words and sentences others say to us and how well we can express ourselves also by using words and sentences. Language includes vocabulary and grammar.

Question 2

What is the difference between a delay and a disorder?

Accepted Answer

A delay is, generally, when a child is showing slower acquisition of speech and language skills. A child with a communicative delay usually develops typical skills, just at a slower rate than expected for their age.

A disorder, on the other hand, is when a child is showing characteristics that are not normally seen as part of typical speech and language development.

Question 3

Is speaking to my child in two languages confusing to them or detrimental to their development?

Accepted Answer

No! There is no evidence that speaking two languages to a child confuses them or causes them to develop speech and language more slowly. This is 100% wrong.

Question 4

My child has a disability so I was advised to speak to them in only 1 language. Can they still be bilingual?

Accepted Answer

Children with disabilities can absolutely be bilingual! There's a growing body of research that shows that children with learning disabilities, intellectual disability, Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and more can become successful bilingual individuals. Do not listen to "professionals" who tell you to abandon one language and speak to your child in only one language. They are wrong!

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