How is a speech or language impairment defined?

A speech or language impairment is defined as a communication disorder affecting speech or understanding. This means that individuals with such impairments may experience difficulties in producing speech sounds accurately, fluency, or voice quality. Additionally, they may struggle with understanding spoken language or using language effectively to communicate their thoughts and needs. This definition encompasses a wide range of abilities, including articulation, language processing, and the ability to follow or include in conversations.

The other choices are distinctly different types of disabilities; for instance, physical disabilities primarily impact movement and mobility, learning disabilities focus on academic skills like reading or math, and behavioral disorders relate to emotional regulation and social interactions. Each of these classifications addresses unique challenges and is not related to the specific difficulties in speech or language communication that define speech or language impairments.