However, this term is problematic in that it suggests difficulties are specific to language only. The term 'specific language impairment' is the most commonly‐used diagnostic label, 'specific' referring to the idiopathic nature of the condition. The term 'language disorder', as used in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM‐5 2013), has been found to be problematic, as it identifies too broad a range of conditions ( Bishop 2014).
Given the heterogeneity of presentation, there are inconsistencies in terminology for speech and/or language disorders with no agreed diagnostic label. Questions have been raised in recent years as to how 'specific' to speech and language these problems are, but this distinction between primary and secondary difficulties remains clinically useful and is one commonly reported in the literature ( Bishop 1997 Leonard 2014 Reilly 2014 and associated papers).
The presentation of primary speech and/or language disorders can vary considerably between individuals in terms of severity, pattern of impairment and degree of comorbidity ( Bishop 1997). It is thought that approximately 5% to 8% of children may have difficulties with speech and/or language ( Boyle 1996 Tomblin 1997), of which a significant proportion will have 'primary' speech and/or language disorders. Therefore, in both research and intervention, it is difficult to tease speech and language disorders apart. In addition, interventions in both cases share commonalities for example, focusing on various elements of the language system and common underlying processes such as attention and listening. Although some children have either a primary speech disorder but not a language disorder, or vice versa, these disorders commonly overlap. Such difficulties are termed 'primary' if they have no known aetiology, and 'secondary' if they are caused by another condition such as autism, hearing impairment, general developmental difficulties, behavioural or emotional difficulties or neurological impairment ( Stark 1981 Plante 1998). Speech and/or language disorders are amongst the most common developmental difficulties in childhood.
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