(how speech sounds are made), voice (use of the vocal folds and breathing to produce sound), and fluency (the rhythm of speech). When a person is unable to produce speech sounds correctly or fluently, or has trouble with his or her voice, he or she has a speech impairment. Other forms of speech impairments would include Apraxia and Dysarthria.

Language is different from speech. Language is made up of socially-shared rules that include the meaning of words, how to make new words, how to put them together to communicate a message, and which word combinations are best in specific situations. A person who has trouble understanding others, or sharing thoughts, ideas and feelings cohesively, has a language impairment. Other forms of language impairments would include aphasia and executive function.

Another area in which SLP’s may work with individuals is in the area of “pragmatics” or the rules for social language. Pragmatics may involve: Using language for specific purposes, such as greeting, informing, demanding, promising, or requesting. Changing language according to the needs of the listener or situation, such as talking differently to a baby than to an adult or giving context to an unfamiliar listener. Following rules for conversations and storytelling, such as taking turns in conversation, introducing topics, or rephrasing when misunderstood.