Receptive language disorders include difficulty understanding spoken, written or gestural language. Children with receptive language disorders may have difficulty understanding the meaning of words, following directions and responding appropriately in conversation.

Expressive language disorders include difficulty using language to express ones ideas by forming sentences, answering questions, etc. Children may present with weakness with vocabulary use or grammar/sentence structure.

Pragmatic language disorders include difficulty communicating verbally and nonverbally (e.g. body language, facial expressions, etc.) in social situations.

Individuals can use AAC if they have difficulty with their speech or language skills. There are various low-tech (e.g. sign language, communication boards) and high-tech options (speech generating device). A common concern parents have is if using AAC will stop someone from talking or will slow down language development, however, research shows AAC can actually help with these concerns!

Children with articulation/phonological disorders produce speech sound errors including distortions/substitutions/omissions which are not considered developmentally appropriate past a certain age.

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder. Characteristics include: inconsistent sound errors, difficulty transitioning between sounds/words, and inappropriate prosody.