Five Myths About Speech – With Resilient Health Group Speech Pathologist Tiffany Watson
What Are The Five Myths About Speech?
Speech Pathologist Tiffany Watson debunks myths about speech and language, highlighting early support, lifelong communication development, and how the intervention empowers individuals of all ages.
Communication is one of the most vital skills we develop in life. It helps us share our thoughts, express our feelings, build relationships, and participate fully in learning. However, when it comes to speech and language development, many myths and misconceptions persist, which can delay individuals from seeking the right support at any age.
At Resilient Health Group, Speech Pathologist Tiffany Watson frequently encounters these misconceptions from parents, caregivers, and adults themselves. In this article, we’ll address the five most common myths about speech and language, explaining what families and individuals of all ages truly need to know.
While early intervention is important, speech and language challenges can impact people at any stage of life. Let’s first review the general milestones for speech and language development and recognize that they apply not just to children, but to anyone who may be facing communication challenges.
Speech & Language Milestones: What to Look For
Speech and language development happens throughout life, and while each person develops at their own pace, there are some common milestones that help us understand typical communication progress. It’s important to keep in mind that speech and language delays can affect people of any age, not just children. Below are general milestones for early development, but they apply across the lifespan.
At 12 Months:
Not babbling or making sounds
Not responding to environmental sounds or voices
At 18 Months:
Not using any words or attempting verbal communication
Not imitating sounds or words spoken by others
At 2 Years:
Using fewer than 50 words
Not combining words (e.g., “more milk” or “big truck”)
Difficulty following simple instructions
At 3 Years:
Not understood by others around 75% of the time
Difficulty following instructions or answering simple questions
At 4-5 Years:
Difficulty using sentences
Struggling to retell events or tell stories
Trouble pronouncing certain sounds
As we age, these milestones can adapt depending on age-appropriate speech and language expectations, but communication difficulties can persist or even develop later in life. If you or a loved one notices any of the signs mentioned above, early support can be highly beneficial in improving outcomes.
Debunking Common Speech and Language Myths
Myth #1: Speech and Language Are the Same Thing
It’s common to hear people use the terms “speech” and “language” interchangeably. However, they are actually two different skills.
Speech refers to the sounds we use to form words and express ourselves verbally.
Language refers to our ability to understand, process, and use words to communicate ideas effectively.
A person can struggle with speech, language, or both. It’s important to recognize the difference in order to seek the right kind of support.
Myth #2: A Person Will "Grow Out" of Speech or Language Challenges
Many people assume that challenges in speech or language will resolve on their own as a person grows older. While some individuals may naturally overcome minor challenges, many people benefit from targeted intervention at any age. Early intervention, when needed, often leads to better outcomes in communication development.
Waiting to see if someone will “grow out of it” can result in:
Missed opportunities for learning or social engagement
Increased frustration
Communication barriers in education, work, or daily life
If there are any concerns about speech or language development at any stage, it’s a good idea to seek guidance from a Speech Pathologist.
Myth #3: Speech Pathologists Only Help With Talking
Speech Pathology goes far beyond just “talking.” While verbal communication is a major part of the work, Speech Pathologists also address:
Verbal and written language
Reading and spelling
Social communication skills (e.g., turn-taking, conversation rules)
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for individuals who are non-verbal or have speech difficulties
Non-verbal communication such as gestures, body language, and facial expressions
Mealtime challenges, such as difficulty chewing, swallowing, or managing food textures
Speech Pathologists are trained to support all aspects of communication and can help with much more than just speech production.
Myth #4: Speech Pathologists Only Work With Children
Speech Pathologists support individuals of all ages. Communication challenges can occur at any stage of life, and whether you’re a child just learning to speak, an adult recovering from a stroke or brain injury, or someone with a lifelong communication disorder, a Speech Pathologist can provide valuable support.
Speech Pathologists work with:
Children to support early language development, speech sound production, and social communication
Teens and adults with speech challenges due to medical conditions, like stroke, brain injury, or developmental disorders
Older adults facing speech difficulties related to aging, such as dementia or Parkinson’s disease
Communication needs evolve over time, and professionals can provide crucial support at every age.
Myth #5: If a Person Can’t Talk, They Can’t Communicate
Communication isn’t limited to spoken words. People who have difficulty speaking still have many ways to communicate effectively, including:
Gestures (e.g., waving, pointing, shaking the head)
Key Word Signs (a system of simple hand signs to represent words)
Symbols (e.g., communication boards or apps)
Facial expressions (showing emotions or thoughts through expressions)
Voice Output Devices (technology that “speaks” for the user)
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) supports communication and can even enhance language development. Importantly, AAC does not hinder speech development but can provide vital support in the meantime.
Everyone, regardless of their age, deserves a way to communicate.
When Should You Seek Support?
You or someone you care for may benefit from seeing a Speech Pathologist if:
You notice missed communication milestones
You have trouble understanding speech or language
Frustration arises due to communication barriers
Teachers, healthcare professionals, or others express concern
There are difficulties with sharing thoughts, feelings, or needs
Challenges are observed in following instructions, understanding questions, or engaging in conversations
Mealtime challenges, like difficulty swallowing, occur
Speech Pathologists can also assist caregivers and family members in creating supportive communication environments and strategies for everyday life, improving interactions and helping communication flow more smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Communication challenges can happen at any age, but there’s no harm in seeking guidance when there are concerns about speech and language. In fact, early intervention — at any stage — can provide the support needed to help individuals thrive, whether they are children, teens, adults, or seniors.
At Resilient Health Group, Tiffany Watson and the team are dedicated to supporting communication development across all stages of life. If you or a loved one is facing challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out and explore how we can help you or your family member find the support and solutions you need.
Every person deserves to be heard, and we’re here to make that happen.
Get to know our highly-regarded Speech Pathologist Tiffany Watson here and her introductory article at the link.