Speak well

What is it?

Speech difficulties involve challenges with producing sounds, speaking clearly, or using language to communicate effectively. These may include stuttering, mispronunciation, delayed speech development, or trouble forming sentences. Such difficulties can affect confidence, academic performance, and social interactions. Speech issues may be developmental, neurological, or caused by hearing or cognitive differences.

Prevalence and statistics

• Around 8–9% of young children have a speech sound disorder.

• 5% of school-aged children continue to struggle with speech clarity.

• Boys are more likely than girls to have speech or language delays.

• Early speech therapy improves communication and social development.

• Speech difficulties often co-occur with autism, ADHD, or hearing impairments.

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How to identify?

Emotional signs –

• Frustration or embarrassment while speaking

• Social withdrawal due to fear of being misunderstood

• Loss of confidence in group settings

Physical signs –

• Difficulty pronouncing certain letters or sounds (e.g., R, S, L)

• Speaking too quickly, slowly, or with noticeable effort

• Strained voice or hoarseness

Behavioural signs –

• Avoiding speaking in class or social situations

• Relying on gestures instead of speech

• Echoing or repeating words excessively

Cognitive signs –

• Trouble forming complete sentences or recalling the right words

• Difficulty following spoken directions

• Delays in learning to read or write

Common Types of Speech Difficulties:

• Articulation Disorders – Trouble producing specific sounds (e.g., “wabbit” instead of “rabbit”)

• Fluency Disorders – Includes stuttering or interrupted flow of speech

• Expressive Language Delay – Difficulty using words and sentences to express oneself

• Receptive Language Disorder – Trouble understanding spoken language

• Voice Disorders – Abnormal pitch, volume, or quality of voice

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