Related services are “those supportive services that are required to assist a child with disabilities to benefit from special education. If a child does not need special education, there can be no related services provided under an IEP since a related service must be necessary for a child to benefit from special education.” (AK Sped Handbook, 2007).
When a person has trouble understanding others (receptive language), or sharing thoughts, ideas, and feelings completely (expressive language), then he/ she has a language disorder. For example, Jane has a receptive and expressive language disorder. She does not have a good understanding of the meaning of works and how and when to use them. Because of this, she has trouble following directions and speaking in long sentences.
When a person is unable to produce speech sounds correctly or fluently, or has problems with his/ her voice, then he/ she has a speech disorder. For example, Tommy has a speech disorder that makes him hard to understand. If his lips, tongue, and mouth are not moved at the right time, then what he says will not sound right. Children who stutter, and people whose voices sound hoarse or nasal have speech problems as well.
An individual may say words clearly and use long, complex sentences with correct grammar, but still have a communication problem, if he/ she has not mastered the rules for social language known as pragmatics. For example, you have invited your friend over for dinner. Your child sees your friend reach for some cookies and says, “Better not take those, or you’ll get even bigger.” You’re embarrassed that your child could speak so rudely. However your child may not know how to use language appropriately in social situations and did not mean harm by the comment.