Which statement is true for a child with language delay but not true for a child with speech delay?

Which statement is true for a child with language delay but not true for a child with speech delay?

• A. The child will have difficulty developing reading skills
• B. The child will have difficulty communicating with others
• C. The child will probably have difficulty developing normal relationships with peers
• D. All of the above

Answer: (A)

Language delay involves broader difficulties with understanding and using language, not just producing sounds. Reading relies on language skills such as vocabulary, grammar, and the ability to understand and manipulate language sounds (phonological awareness). When a child has a language delay, these underlying language processes are affected, making reading development more challenging. A child with a speech delay, on the other hand, mainly has trouble producing sounds or forming words, while their understanding of language may be relatively intact, so reading may be less impacted. Therefore, the statement about having difficulty developing reading skills best distinguishes language delay from a speech delay. Difficulty communicating with others and developing normal peer relationships can occur with both types of delays, so they aren’t unique to language delay. All of the above would imply both B and C are exclusive to language delay, which isn’t the case.

Language delay involves broader difficulties with understanding and using language, not just producing sounds. Reading relies on language skills such as vocabulary, grammar, and the ability to understand and manipulate language sounds (phonological awareness). When a child has a language delay, these underlying language processes are affected, making reading development more challenging. A child with a speech delay, on the other hand, mainly has trouble producing sounds or forming words, while their understanding of language may be relatively intact, so reading may be less impacted. Therefore, the statement about having difficulty developing reading skills best distinguishes language delay from a speech delay.

Difficulty communicating with others and developing normal peer relationships can occur with both types of delays, so they aren’t unique to language delay. All of the above would imply both B and C are exclusive to language delay, which isn’t the case.