how we say sounds and put sounds together into words. Other words for these problems are articulation or phonological disorders, apraxia of speech, or dysarthria.

describes how well we understand what we hear or read and how we use words to tell others what we are thinking. In adults these impairments may be referred to as receptive and expressive aphasia if resulting from a stroke and/or brain injury.

also referred to as Social Language; it describes how well we follow rules, like taking turns, how to talk to different people, or how close to stand to someone when talking. 

also referred to as stuttering, is how well speech flows. Someone who stutters may repeat sounds, like t-t-t-table, use "um" or "uh," or pause a lot when talking. Many young children will go through a time when they stutter, but most outgrow it.

how well we read and write. People with speech and language disorders may also have trouble reading, spelling, and writing.

how well our minds work. Problems may involve memory, attention, problem solving, organization, and other thinking skills.