There are many different types of speech impediments, and they can begin during childhood or develop during adulthood.

Common causes include physical trauma, neurological disorders, or anxiety.

There are several different symptoms of speech impediments, and you may experience one or more.

Teenager reading aloud from a paper in a classroom

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Can Symptoms Worsen?

Some childhood neurological or neurodevelopmental disorders may cause speech skill regression (backsliding).

Common causes of childhood speech impediments include:

Do Childhood Speech Disorders Persist?

Speech disorders during childhood can have persistent effects throughout life.Therapy can often help improve speech skills.

Do Speech Disorders Resolve on Their Own?

Defining the cause and jot down of speech impediment will help determine your prognosis and treatment plan.

Sometimes the cause is known before symptoms begin, as is the case with trauma or MS.

Diagnostic testing may include:

Your diagnostic tests will help pinpoint the cause of your speech problem.

Sometimes, children receive speech therapy as part of a specialized learning program at school.

If you or your child has a serious speech problem, you may qualify for speech therapy.

Working with your therapist can help you build confidence, particularly as you begin to see improvement.

Building Confidence With Speech Problems

Some types of speech impairment might not qualify for therapy.

Summary

Many different types of speech problems can affect children and adults.

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