Is it speech? Is it language?

When an SLP evaluates a child's communication, both speech and language are typically assessed. In assessing a child's speech skills, the focus is on production of sounds, fluency in speaking, and voice quality. So articulation disorders, voice problems and stuttering are typically considered to be speech disorders. In assessing language skills, the areas assessed include receptive language (listening) and expressive language (speaking). Skill areas examined include vocabulary, grammar, use of language in problem solving, and organization of spoken language. Problems in language use also typically affects written language as well as oral language. An SLP may also evaluate social language use, such as turn-taking in communication, appropriately initiating communication, interpreting facial expressions and use of social communication conventions. A child may be considered to have a speech disorder or a language disorder, or quite commonly can have both types of disorders. The evaluation results will guide the SLP in designing the treatment program