speech problem meaning

Woman helping teach child who has speech language disorder

10 Most Common Speech-Language Disorders & Impediments

As you get to know more about the field of speech-language pathology you’ll increasingly realize why SLPs are required to earn at least a master’s degree . This stuff is serious – and there’s nothing easy about it.

In 2016 the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reported that 7.7% of American children have been diagnosed with a speech or swallowing disorder. That comes out to nearly one in 12 children, and gets even bigger if you factor in adults.

Whether rooted in psycho-speech behavioral issues, muscular disorders, or brain damage, nearly all the diagnoses SLPs make fall within just 10 common categories…

Types of Speech Disorders & Impediments

Apraxia of speech (aos).

Apraxia of Speech (AOS) happens when the neural pathway between the brain and a person’s speech function (speech muscles) is lost or obscured. The person knows what they want to say – they can even write what they want to say on paper – however the brain is unable to send the correct messages so that speech muscles can articulate what they want to say, even though the speech muscles themselves work just fine. Many SLPs specialize in the treatment of Apraxia .

There are different levels of severity of AOS, ranging from mostly functional, to speech that is incoherent. And right now we know for certain it can be caused by brain damage, such as in an adult who has a stroke. This is called Acquired AOS.

However the scientific and medical community has been unable to detect brain damage – or even differences – in children who are born with this disorder, making the causes of Childhood AOS somewhat of a mystery. There is often a correlation present, with close family members suffering from learning or communication disorders, suggesting there may be a genetic link.

Mild cases might be harder to diagnose, especially in children where multiple unknown speech disorders may be present. Symptoms of mild forms of AOS are shared by a range of different speech disorders, and include mispronunciation of words and irregularities in tone, rhythm, or emphasis (prosody).

Stuttering – Stammering

Stuttering, also referred to as stammering, is so common that everyone knows what it sounds like and can easily recognize it. Everyone has probably had moments of stuttering at least once in their life. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates that three million Americans stutter, and reports that of the up-to-10-percent of children who do stutter, three-quarters of them will outgrow it. It should not be confused with cluttering.

Most people don’t know that stuttering can also include non-verbal involuntary or semi-voluntary actions like blinking or abdominal tensing (tics). Speech language pathologists are trained to look for all the symptoms of stuttering , especially the non-verbal ones, and that is why an SLP is qualified to make a stuttering diagnosis.

The earliest this fluency disorder can become apparent is when a child is learning to talk. It may also surface later during childhood. Rarely if ever has it developed in adults, although many adults have kept a stutter from childhood.

Stuttering only becomes a problem when it has an impact on daily activities, or when it causes concern to parents or the child suffering from it. In some people, a stutter is triggered by certain events like talking on the phone. When people start to avoid specific activities so as not to trigger their stutter, this is a sure sign that the stutter has reached the level of a speech disorder.

The causes of stuttering are mostly a mystery. There is a correlation with family history indicating a genetic link. Another theory is that a stutter is a form of involuntary or semi-voluntary tic. Most studies of stuttering agree there are many factors involved.

Dysarthria is a symptom of nerve or muscle damage. It manifests itself as slurred speech, slowed speech, limited tongue, jaw, or lip movement, abnormal rhythm and pitch when speaking, changes in voice quality, difficulty articulating, labored speech, and other related symptoms.

It is caused by muscle damage, or nerve damage to the muscles involved in the process of speaking such as the diaphragm, lips, tongue, and vocal chords.

Because it is a symptom of nerve and/or muscle damage it can be caused by a wide range of phenomena that affect people of all ages. This can start during development in the womb or shortly after birth as a result of conditions like muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy. In adults some of the most common causes of dysarthria are stroke, tumors, and MS.

A lay term, lisping can be recognized by anyone and is very common.

Speech language pathologists provide an extra level of expertise when treating patients with lisping disorders . They can make sure that a lisp is not being confused with another type of disorder such as apraxia, aphasia, impaired development of expressive language, or a speech impediment caused by hearing loss.

SLPs are also important in distinguishing between the five different types of lisps. Most laypersons can usually pick out the most common type, the interdental/dentalised lisp. This is when a speaker makes a “th” sound when trying to make the “s” sound. It is caused by the tongue reaching past or touching the front teeth.

Because lisps are functional speech disorders, SLPs can play a huge role in correcting these with results often being a complete elimination of the lisp. Treatment is particularly effective when implemented early, although adults can also benefit.

Experts recommend professional SLP intervention if a child has reached the age of four and still has an interdental/dentalised lisp. SLP intervention is recommended as soon as possible for all other types of lisps. Treatment includes pronunciation and annunciation coaching, re-teaching how a sound or word is supposed to be pronounced, practice in front of a mirror, and speech-muscle strengthening that can be as simple as drinking out of a straw.

Spasmodic Dysphonia

Spasmodic Dysphonia (SD) is a chronic long-term disorder that affects the voice. It is characterized by a spasming of the vocal chords when a person attempts to speak and results in a voice that can be described as shaky, hoarse, groaning, tight, or jittery. It can cause the emphasis of speech to vary considerably. Many SLPs specialize in the treatment of Spasmodic Dysphonia .

SLPs will most often encounter this disorder in adults, with the first symptoms usually occurring between the ages of 30 and 50. It can be caused by a range of things mostly related to aging, such as nervous system changes and muscle tone disorders.

It’s difficult to isolate vocal chord spasms as being responsible for a shaky or trembly voice, so diagnosing SD is a team effort for SLPs that also involves an ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngologist) and a neurologist.

Have you ever heard people talking about how they are smart but also nervous in large groups of people, and then self-diagnose themselves as having Asperger’s? You might have heard a similar lay diagnosis for cluttering. This is an indication of how common this disorder is as well as how crucial SLPs are in making a proper cluttering diagnosis .

A fluency disorder, cluttering is characterized by a person’s speech being too rapid, too jerky, or both. To qualify as cluttering, the person’s speech must also have excessive amounts of “well,” “um,” “like,” “hmm,” or “so,” (speech disfluencies), an excessive exclusion or collapsing of syllables, or abnormal syllable stresses or rhythms.

The first symptoms of this disorder appear in childhood. Like other fluency disorders, SLPs can have a huge impact on improving or eliminating cluttering. Intervention is most effective early on in life, however adults can also benefit from working with an SLP.

Muteness – Selective Mutism

There are different kinds of mutism, and here we are talking about selective mutism. This used to be called elective mutism to emphasize its difference from disorders that caused mutism through damage to, or irregularities in, the speech process.

Selective mutism is when a person does not speak in some or most situations, however that person is physically capable of speaking. It most often occurs in children, and is commonly exemplified by a child speaking at home but not at school.

Selective mutism is related to psychology. It appears in children who are very shy, who have an anxiety disorder, or who are going through a period of social withdrawal or isolation. These psychological factors have their own origins and should be dealt with through counseling or another type of psychological intervention.

Diagnosing selective mutism involves a team of professionals including SLPs, pediatricians, psychologists, and psychiatrists. SLPs play an important role in this process because there are speech language disorders that can have the same effect as selective muteness – stuttering, aphasia, apraxia of speech, or dysarthria – and it’s important to eliminate these as possibilities.

And just because selective mutism is primarily a psychological phenomenon, that doesn’t mean SLPs can’t do anything. Quite the contrary.

The National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke estimates that one million Americans have some form of aphasia.

Aphasia is a communication disorder caused by damage to the brain’s language capabilities. Aphasia differs from apraxia of speech and dysarthria in that it solely pertains to the brain’s speech and language center.

As such anyone can suffer from aphasia because brain damage can be caused by a number of factors. However SLPs are most likely to encounter aphasia in adults, especially those who have had a stroke. Other common causes of aphasia are brain tumors, traumatic brain injuries, and degenerative brain diseases.

In addition to neurologists, speech language pathologists have an important role in diagnosing aphasia. As an SLP you’ll assess factors such as a person’s reading and writing, functional communication, auditory comprehension, and verbal expression.

Speech Delay – Alalia

A speech delay, known to professionals as alalia, refers to the phenomenon when a child is not making normal attempts to verbally communicate. There can be a number of factors causing this to happen, and that’s why it’s critical for a speech language pathologist to be involved.

The are many potential reasons why a child would not be using age-appropriate communication. These can range anywhere from the child being a “late bloomer” – the child just takes a bit longer than average to speak – to the child having brain damage. It is the role of an SLP to go through a process of elimination, evaluating each possibility that could cause a speech delay, until an explanation is found.

Approaching a child with a speech delay starts by distinguishing among the two main categories an SLP will evaluate: speech and language.

Speech has a lot to do with the organs of speech – the tongue, mouth, and vocal chords – as well as the muscles and nerves that connect them with the brain. Disorders like apraxia of speech and dysarthria are two examples that affect the nerve connections and organs of speech. Other examples in this category could include a cleft palette or even hearing loss.

The other major category SLPs will evaluate is language. This relates more to the brain and can be affected by brain damage or developmental disorders like autism. There are many different types of brain damage that each manifest themselves differently, as well as developmental disorders, and the SLP will make evaluations for everything.

Issues Related to Autism

While the autism spectrum itself isn’t a speech disorder, it makes this list because the two go hand-in-hand more often than not.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one out of every 68 children in our country have an autism spectrum disorder. And by definition, all children who have autism also have social communication problems.

Speech-language pathologists are often a critical voice on a team of professionals – also including pediatricians, occupational therapists, neurologists, developmental specialists, and physical therapists – who make an autism spectrum diagnosis .

In fact, the American Speech-Language Hearing Association reports that problems with communication are the first detectable signs of autism. That is why language disorders – specifically disordered verbal and nonverbal communication – are one of the primary diagnostic criteria for autism.

So what kinds of SLP disorders are you likely to encounter with someone on the autism spectrum?

A big one is apraxia of speech. A study that came out of Penn State in 2015 found that 64 percent of children who were diagnosed with autism also had childhood apraxia of speech.

This basic primer on the most common speech disorders offers little more than an interesting glimpse into the kind of issues that SLPs work with patients to resolve. But even knowing everything there is to know about communication science and speech disorders doesn’t tell the whole story of what this profession is all about. With every client in every therapy session, the goal is always to have the folks that come to you for help leave with a little more confidence than when they walked in the door that day. As a trusted SLP, you will build on those gains with every session, helping clients experience the joy and freedom that comes with the ability to express themselves freely. At the end of the day, this is what being an SLP is all about.

Ready to make a difference in speech pathology? Learn how to become a Speech-Language Pathologist today

Emerson College - Master's in Speech-Language Pathology online - Prepare to become an SLP in as few as 20 months. No GRE required. Scholarships available.
Arizona State University - Online - Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science - Designed to prepare graduates to work in behavioral health settings or transition to graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
NYU Steinhardt - NYU Steinhardt's Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online - ASHA-accredited. Bachelor's degree required. Graduate prepared to pursue licensure.
Pepperdine University - Embark on a transformative professional and personal journey in the online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program from Pepperdine University. Our program brings together rigorous academics, research-driven faculty teaching, and robust clinical experiences, all wrapped within our Christian mission to serve our communities and improve the lives of others.
Calvin University - Calvin University's Online Speech and Hearing Foundations Certificate - Helps You Gain a Strong Foundation for Your Speech-Language Pathology Career.
George Mason University - George Mason University's Graduate Programs in Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Applied Behavior Analysis. - Prepares you for a rewarding career as a Speech and Language Pathologist.

Health Conditions

Breast Cancer
Cancer Care
Caregiving for Alzheimer's Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Digestive Health
Heart Health
Mental Health
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Sleep Health
Type 2 Diabetes
Weight Management

Condition Spotlight

Wellness Topics

Mental Well-Being
Sexual Health
Vitamins and Supplements
Women's Wellness

Product Reviews

At-Home Testing
Men's Health
Women's Health

Featured Programs

Video Series
Pill Identifier
Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Essentials
Diabetes Nutrition
High Cholesterol
Taming Inflammation in Psoriasis
Taming Inflammation in Psoriatic Arthritis

Newsletters

Anxiety and Depression
Nutrition Edition
Wellness Wire

Lifestyle Quizzes

Find a Diet
Find Healthy Snacks
How Well Do You Sleep?
Are You a Workaholic?

Find Your Bezzy Community

Bezzy communities provide meaningful connections with others living with chronic conditions. Join Bezzy on the web or mobile app.

Follow us on social media

Can't get enough? Connect with us for all things health.

What You Should Know About Adult Speech Impairment

Adult speech impairments involve difficulty with verbal communication, including slurred, stuttered, rapid, and slowed speech. Sudden unusual vocal symptoms require prompt medical attention.

Depending on the underlying cause of your speech impairment, you may also experience symptoms like:

weakened facial muscles
trouble remembering words
expressive language deficits
sudden contraction of your vocal muscles

If you experience a sudden onset of speech impairment, it’s a good idea to receive medical care right away. It may be a sign of an underlying condition, such as a stroke, that benefits from early intervention.

Common types of adult speech impairment

There are many different types of speech impairment and speech disorders, including:

apraxia (AOS) , which is a neurological disorder that makes it difficult for someone with the condition to say what they want to say correctly
dysarthria , which is slurred or choppy speech
spasmodic dysphonia , which can cause your voice to be hoarse, airy, and tight
vocal disturbances, which are changes in the sound and ease of your speech caused by any factor that changes the function or shape of your vocal cords

Causes of adult speech impairment

Different types of speech impairment are caused by different things. For example, you may develop a speech impairment because of:

traumatic brain injury
degenerative neurological or motor disorder
injury or illness that affects your vocal cords

Depending on the cause and type of speech impairment, it may occur suddenly or develop gradually.

Acquired apraxia of speech (AOS) is usually seen in adults but can happen at any age. It’s most commonly caused by an injury that damages the parts of the brain responsible for speech.

Common causes can include:

traumatic head injury
brain tumor
neurodegenerative diseases

Dysarthria can occur when you have trouble moving the muscles of your:

vocal folds

It can result from degenerative muscle and motor conditions including:

multiple sclerosis (MS)
muscular dystrophy
cerebral palsy (CP)
Parkinson’s disease

Other potential causes include:

head trauma
Lyme disease
facial paralysis , such as Bell’s palsy
tight or loose dentures
alcohol consumption

Spasmodic dysphonia

Spasmodic dysphonia involves involuntary movements of your vocal cords when you speak. This condition may result from abnormal brain functioning. The exact cause is unknown.

Vocal disturbances

Your vocal cords and ability to speak can be negatively affected by a variety of activities, injuries, and other conditions, such as:

throat cancer
polyps , nodules , or other growths on your vocal cords
the ingestion of certain drugs, such as caffeine, antidepressants , or amphetamines

Using your voice incorrectly or for prolonged periods of time can also result in a hoarse vocal quality.

Diagnosing adult speech impairment

If you experience a sudden onset of impaired speech, seek medical attention right away. It might be a sign of a potentially life-threatening condition, such as a stroke.

If you develop impaired speech more gradually, make an appointment with your doctor. It may be a sign of an underlying health condition.

Unless your speech impairment is caused by using your voice too much or a viral infection, it probably won’t resolve on its own and may worsen. It’s important to get a diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible.

To diagnose your condition, your doctor will likely start by requesting a complete medical history and evaluating your symptoms.

Your doctor will also likely ask you a series of questions to hear you talk and assess your speech. This can help them determine your level of comprehension and speaking ability. It can also help them learn if the condition is affecting your vocal cords, your brain, or both.

Depending on your medical history and symptoms, your doctor may order one or more tests, such as:

studies of the head and neck using X-rays , CT scans, or MRI scans
electrical current tests
blood tests
urine tests

Treatments for adult speech impairment

Your doctor’s recommended treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause of your speech impairment. It may involve an evaluation by a:

neurologist
otolaryngologist
speech-language pathologist

Your doctor may refer you to a speech-language pathologist who can teach you how to:

conduct exercises to strengthen your vocals cords
increase vocal control
improve articulation, or vocal expression
expressive and receptive communication

In some cases, they may also recommend assistive communication devices. For example, they may advise you to use an electronic device to translate typed messages into verbal communication.

In rare cases, you may need surgery or other medical procedures.

Occasionally, acquired AOS can go away on its own, which is known as spontaneous recovery.

Speech therapy is the main treatment for AOS. This treatment is customized to each individual and typically takes place one-on-one.

In severe cases of AOS, learning hand gestures or sign language may be encouraged as alternative forms of communication.

If you’re diagnosed with dysarthria, your doctor will likely encourage you to undergo speech therapy. Your therapist may prescribe exercises to help improve your breath control and increase your tongue and lip coordination.

It’s also important for your family members and other people in your life to speak slowly. They need to give you ample time to respond to questions and comments.

There’s no known cure for spasmodic dysphonia. But your doctor can prescribe treatments to help manage your symptoms.

For example, they may prescribe botulinum toxin injections (Botox) or surgery to your vocal cords. This may help reduce spasms.

Vocal disorders

If you’re diagnosed with a vocal disorder, your doctor may advise you to limit the use of your vocal cords to give them time to heal or prevent further damage.

They may advise you to avoid caffeine or other drugs that can irritate your vocal cords. In rare cases, you may need surgery or other medical treatments.

Preventing adult speech impairment

Some types and causes of adult speech impairment are impossible to prevent. But you can take steps to lower your risk of developing other types of impaired speech. For example:

Don’t overuse your voice by screaming or placing stress on your vocal cords.
Lower your risk of throat cancer by avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke .
Lower your risk of brain injury by wearing a helmet when riding your bike, protective gear when playing contact sports, and a seatbelt when traveling in motor vehicles
Decrease your risk of stroke by exercising regularly , eating a well-balanced diet , and maintaining healthy blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels .
Limit your consumption of alcohol.

Outlook for adult speech impairment

If you develop unusual vocal symptoms, seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve your long-term outlook and help prevent complications.

Ask your doctor for more information about your:

specific condition
treatment options

If you’re diagnosed with a speech or vocal disorder, always carry an identification card with the name of your condition.

Also, keep your emergency contact information in your pocket at all times. This can help you prepare for times when you may not be able to communicate your health condition and needs to others.

How we reviewed this article:

Apraxia of speech. (2017). https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/apraxia-speech
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Dysarthria. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dysarthria/basics/definition/con-20035008
Spasmodic dysphonia. (2017). https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/spasmodic-dysphonia

Share this article