A speech or language delay describes a child whose skills are developing, but at a slower rate than normal. A speech problem can be mild, moderate, or severe. A speech or language problem affects your child's emotional and social interaction with your family, among friends, and in school. Delays and disorders may precede future problems in intellectual development and success in school. You and your doctor should carefully watch your child's progress into the school-aged years.
Language is a system of verbal, written, or gestured symbols that are used to communicate.
Language has several parts that develop at the same time. Language is divided into content, form, and use. Content, or semantics, refers to the meaning of the message. Form includes grammar and syntax. Grammar and syntax refer to rules that define the structure and organization of words to form sentences.