Speech or Language ImpairmentsLearning Support : Minnesota Department of Education

Speech or Language Impairments
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Speech or Language Impairments

There are four generally recognized types of speech or language impairments:

  • Fluency disorder means the intrusion or repetition of sounds, syllables, and words; prolongation of sounds; avoidance of words; silent blocks; or inappropriate inhalation, exhalation, or phonation patterns. These patterns may also be accompanied by facial and body movements associated with the effort to speak.
  • Voice disorder means the absence of voice or presence of abnormal quality, pitch, resonance, loudness, or duration.
  • Articulation disorder means the absence of or incorrect production of speech sounds or phonological processes that are developmentally appropriate (e.g. lisp, difficulty articulating certain sounds, such as l or r).
  • Language disorder means a breakdown in communication as characterized by problems in expressing needs, ideas, or information that may be accompanied by problems in understanding. 

Find Minnesota Rule language regarding speech or language impairments under Related Links.

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A Guide for Speech/Language Evaluations pdf icon 1Mb (7/26/2005)
     A resource guide based upon successful practice of the speech language staff in three metro school districts, Edina, St. Paul and South St. Paul.
Appendix C: Resources for SPL Evaluations pdf icon 614Kb (7/26/2005)
     This appendix completes the resource guide for successful practice in speech language evaluation