Language Disorder Support for Children in Des Moines Metro & North Liberty

Although often confused, speech and language delays are different:

• Speech delay = difficulty producing sounds correctly
  (e.g., saying “wabbit” instead of “rabbit”)

• Language delay = difficulty understanding or using language
  (e.g., limited vocabulary, trouble forming sentences, not following directions)

A child can have:

• Speech delay only

• Language delay only

• Or both at the same time

Understanding the difference is important because treatment approaches differ. Speech therapy targets sound production, while language therapy focuses on comprehension, vocabulary, and communication skills.

A language disorder is more persistent and significant than a delay. Signs may include:

In younger children:

• Not responding to their name

• Difficulty following simple directions

• Limited use of gestures or words

• Not combining words by age 2

In older children:

• Trouble forming sentences

• Difficulty answering questions

• Limited vocabulary for their age

• Challenges in telling stories or explaining ideas

• Trouble with memory skills

• Difficulty understanding conversations or what is being said

These challenges can impact learning, reading, and social interactions. Early identification and intervention are key to improving communication and academic success.

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

Language grows through consistent, meaningful interaction. Effective activities include:

Everyday Strategies:

• Narrate daily routines (“We’re putting on your shoes”)

• Expand what your child says (“Ball” → “Yes, a big red ball!”)

• Ask open-ended questions (“Tell me about _____”)

• Pause and wait to encourage responses, allowing the child to process information

Play-Based Activities:

• Pretend play (kitchen, dolls, cars)

• Reading books together and asking questions

• Singing songs and nursery rhymes

• Playing turn-taking games

Key Insight:

The most powerful tool is responsive interaction—following your child’s lead and building language naturally during play and daily life.

American Academy of Pediatrics

Zero to Three

Building vocabulary starts with consistent, rich language exposure. Strategies include reading aloud daily, narrating everyday activities, asking open-ended questions, and expanding your child’s sentences (e.g., child says “car,” you say “Yes, a big red car!”). Repetition, play-based learning, and meaningful conversations are key. Speech therapists often guide parents in using these techniques to accelerate language growth.

Language Development Resources (ASHA)

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) assess a child’s strengths and challenges, then create a custom therapy plan. Treatment may include modeling correct grammar, expanding sentences, practicing conversation skills, and improving comprehension through structured activities. Therapy often involves play, real-life scenarios, and parent coaching to reinforce skills at home. Research shows speech therapy improves language outcomes, especially when started early.

Language skills are the foundation for reading. Children with language delays often struggle with reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing later on. While some may learn to decode words, they may have difficulty understanding what they read. Early language support is critical for strong literacy development.

Phonological awareness is a foundational skill in language development. When a child has difficulty recognizing sound-letter relationships or breaking words into individual sounds, it can impact their ability to decode words while reading. Skills like rhyming are also an important part of developing strong phonological awareness.