Speech and Language Therapists assist children who have the following types of problems:

• Problem producing and using speech
• Problem understanding language
• Problem using language
• Problem with feeding, chewing or swallowing
• Stammering problem
• Voice regulation problem

Speech and language therapy includes treatment for children with speech and/or language disorders. A speech disorder refers to a problem with producing sounds, whereas a language disorder refers to a difficulty understanding or putting words together to communicate ideas.

Speech disorders include the following problems, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA):

• Articulation problem include difficulties producing sounds in syllables or saying words incorrectly to the point that other people can't understand what's being said.
• Fluency problem include problems such as stuttering, the condition in which the flow of speech is interrupted by abnormal stoppages, repetitions (he-he-he-he-hello), or prolonging sounds and syllables (ppppppapaya).
• Resonance or voice problem include problems with the pitch, volume, or quality of the voice. These types of disorders may also cause pain or discomfort for the child when speaking.
• Dysphagia/oral feeding problem, including difficulties with eating and swallowing food.

Language disorders can be either receptive or expressive:

• Receptive disorders refer to difficulties understanding or processing language.
• Expressive disorders include difficulty-putting words together, having limited vocabulary, or inability to use language in a socially appropriate way.