Abby Barnes, M.S., CCC-SLP
A speech delay is not the same as a learning disability, but the two can be linked. A speech delay is when a child is late in meeting milestones for learning to talk. It often improves with speech therapy. A learning disability is a lifelong difference in how the brain processes information, such as dyslexia or dyscalculia. Some kids with a speech delay are later diagnosed with a learning disability, but most are not. Below, we explain the differences and when to seek help.
Key takeaways
A speech delay is not the same as a learning disability. Speech delay is a lag in hitting speech milestones. A learning disability is a lifelong difference in how the brain processes information.
A speech delay can be an early sign of a learning disability. But most kids with a speech delay do not have learning differences.
A speech delay or a learning disability does not mean low intelligence. Most people with a learning disability have normal to above-average intelligence.
Public schools in the U.S. must provide IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 plan accommodations for kids diagnosed with a learning disability.
If you're worried about your child’s speech, an evaluation by a speech therapist can help find the cause and next steps.
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Find a speech therapistIs a speech delay a sign of a learning disability?
A speech delay is not the same as a learning disability. Most kids with a speech delay do not have learning differences. That said, a speech delay can be one early sign of a learning disability. This is more likely if the speech delay lasts past age 4 or shows up with other developmental differences.
ASHA, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, has identified signs that a child may have a learning disability. One main sign is that the child has trouble talking about their thoughts and ideas. “It may seem like the words they need are on the tip of their tongue, but they have trouble getting the right words out,” says Alexis Irazoque, MS, L/SLP, a speech therapist with Expressable. “They might use vague words like ‘thing’ or ‘stuff,’ or pause while talking to find the words they need.”
Other signs of a learning disability include problems with:
Learning new words that they hear or read
Understanding questions they’re asked and following directions
Remembering numbers in order, as in a phone number
Remembering the details of a story plot or what the teacher says
Understanding what they read
Learning words to songs and rhymes, like nursery rhymes
Telling left from right, which can make it hard to read and write
Learning the alphabet and numbers
Matching sounds to letters, which causes difficulty reading
Writing, such as mixing up the order of letters in words while writing
Spelling
Doing math, such as mixing up the order of numbers
Memorizing multiplication tables
Telling time
Some examples of learning disabilities are:
Dyslexia, or trouble with reading
Dyscalculia, or trouble with math
Dysgraphia, or trouble with writing
It’s important to monitor your child’s developmental milestones, but sometimes it can lead to anxiety. Here’s how parents can find balance.
Speech delay vs. developmental disability vs. learning disability
Speech delay
Definition: Lag in expected speaking milestones
When it starts: In toddlers, 12 to 36 months old
Examples: Late talker, expressive language delay
Typical outcome: Most children catch up with speech therapy
Does it qualify for an IEP? Yes, if the speech delay affects school performance
Developmental difference
Definition: Broad category of conditions affecting physical and cognitive development
When it starts: Usually noticed before age 5
Examples: Autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability
Typical outcome: Lifelong; therapy helps children reach their potential
Does it qualify for an IEP? Yes, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA; multiple eligibility categories)
Learning disabilities
Definition: Neurological difference affecting how the brain processes information
When it starts: Often diagnosed in school-age children, ages 5 to 9
Examples: Dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia
Typical outcome: Lifelong; support and accommodations in school can help
Does it qualify for an IEP? Yes, under IDEA (specific learning disability category)
Does speech delay mean low intelligence?
It's important to understand that having a speech delay or a learning disability does not automatically mean a person has low intelligence. Most people with a learning disability have average or even above average intelligence. The learning disability may "get in the way" of being able to show these skills.
Other causes of speech delay
“A learning disability is just one of many possible causes of speech delay,” notes Irazoque. “Other common causes include hearing loss, autism, oral-motor issues, and lack of language exposure.”
For more, see our guide on causes of speech delay.
Learn when speech therapy is needed for a speech delay and what to expect in your child’s speech delay treatment.
When should I be concerned about a speech delay?
For age-specific red flags from 12 months through 4 years, see our detailed guide on signs of speech delay.
If your child seems to be behind in their speech and language, make an appointment with a speech therapist. The speech therapist can perform an evaluation to assess your child's skills and determine if speech therapy is needed.
With speech therapy, many toddlers and children who are behind in their communication development grow in leaps and bounds. The right speech therapist will show you how to support your child day to day, as well as how to practice speech and language at home. Not only will your child be able to communicate more clearly with their family, they’ll eventually benefit in the classroom as well.
“What I want parents to hear is this: An early speech delay does not doom your child to school struggles later. The kids I've seen do best are the ones whose parents started speech therapy early, when they noticed their child might be behind,” says Irazoque.
If you think your child might have a learning disability, talk with their teachers and pediatrician about an evaluation. Your school should be able to do the testing or help guide you through the process. Your child might be eligible for an IEP or other supports in the classroom.
Looking for a speech therapist?
Teletherapy makes it easy. We serve families with a range of speech, language, and feeding needs across the U.S. Get started today!
Find a speech therapistHow to support your child at school
In U.S. public schools, kids with a speech delay or learning disability may qualify for an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or a 504 plan. Both give accommodations at school. The rules and process for each are different.
An IEP is created by a team of teachers, specialists, therapists, and parents/guardians to document the child's goals and how they will be met in public school. An IEP might include special education services and accommodations, or changes to the child’s learning environment
A 504 plan is a formal plan for accommodating a student with a disability, such as providing extra time on tests. 504 plans are not part of special education. They are different from IEPs because they are covered by different laws and work in different ways. The main goal is the same, however: to help students succeed in school.
As your child’s parent or caregiver, you have an important role to play as their advocate! And as your child grows, you can teach them how to speak up and advocate for themselves as well. A good way to start is to learn all about your child’s diagnosis. That way you can explain your child’s way of learning and communicating to the people involved in their care.
You know your child best and can be a powerful advocate for their success. Here’s how to speak up for your child with special speech needs.
Expressable is here to help
No matter what differences your child may have, your child’s school and therapy team should be there to support them. You can help that process go smoothly by being your child’s biggest cheerleader! It starts with talking to a speech therapist to share your concerns.
At Expressable, we’ve treated thousands of children with a range of speech and language issues. Contact us today–we’re here to answer your questions and help you decide on the right next steps for your child!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
A speech delay by itself is not usually called a disability. But if it lasts and affects how a child does at school, it may qualify as a speech or language impairment under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). That makes the child eligible for special education services.
Some kids with speech delays are later diagnosed with a learning disability. Most are not. Early speech therapy can lower the risk of school struggles later. Therapy helps build the language skills that reading and writing rely on.
Yes. Most kids with a speech delay do not have a learning disability. Common causes of speech delay include hearing loss, autism, oral-motor issues, and lack of language exposure—none of which is a learning disability.
How Expressable Can Help
Concerned your child isn't reaching age-expected milestones? Looking for communication support from a professional? Expressable is a national online speech and occupational therapy practice serving children and adults. We treat all major areas of communication, feeding, and developmental skills, offer flexible hours including evenings and weekends, and accept most major health insurance plans. We’re proud to have earned more than 4,500 5-star reviews from our clients (4.83/5 average).
Our therapy model is centered on parent and caregiver involvement. Research proves that empowering caregivers to participate in their loved one’s therapy leads to better outcomes. That’s why we combine live, 1-on-1 speech and occupational therapy with personalized education and home practice activities for faster progress.
