🧠 8 Common Myths About Speech and Language Difficulties — Busted

When people hear “speech and language difficulties,” they often picture someone who’s just a bit shy, will grow out of it, or needs to speak up more.
But as someone who’s lived it, I can tell you — it’s not that simple.

Speech and language difficulties are complex. They affect how someone understands, processes, and expresses themselves.
And yet, too many people are still judged, dismissed, or told to “just try harder” — like it’s a choice.

At Vocal Voyage, we support young people aged 11–24 who face these exact challenges — and deal with the myths that come with them.
So let’s set the record straight.

❌ Myth 1: “They’re just shy.”

✅ Truth: Shyness is a personality trait. Speech and language difficulties are a communication challenge.

Someone might appear quiet because they’re anxious about how they’ll be received — not because they don’t want to speak. Big difference.

❌ Myth 2: “They’ll grow out of it.”

✅ Truth: Some children do develop language at their own pace — but significant delays shouldn’t be ignored.

Early support is crucial. Waiting it out can lead to bigger challenges later on, especially with confidence, friendships, and learning.

❌ Myth 3: “They just need to try harder” or “Spit it out.”

✅ Truth: Many of us have been told that — and it doesn’t help.

Speech and language difficulties are often neurological.
It’s not about laziness or effort — it’s about how the brain processes communication.

Telling someone to “try harder” just piles on pressure.
It doesn’t help. It hurts.

What people need is patience, understanding — and someone in their corner.

❌ Myth 4: “Speech delay means low intelligence.”

✅ Truth: Absolutely not.

Speech and language skills have nothing to do with intelligence.
Many young people with speech difficulties are bright, creative, and insightful — they just struggle to express it in the way others expect.

❌ Myth 5: “Being bilingual causes speech delays.”

✅ Truth: Bilingualism isn’t a cause — it’s a strength.

Children learning two languages might take slightly longer to pick up early vocabulary, but they catch up — and go on to thrive in both.

❌ Myth 6: “Speech therapy is just playing around.”

✅ Truth: Speech therapy might look fun — but it’s serious work.

It’s structured, evidence-based, and adapted to each person’s needs.
Speech therapists use targeted techniques to support all kinds of communication challenges — not just speech.

❌ Myth 7: “You can’t get help until they’re in school.”

✅ Truth: You don’t need to wait.

Speech and language issues can be picked up early, and the earlier they are, the better the outcomes.
Professionals can assess and support children well before they ever enter a classroom.

❌ Myth 8: “It’s just about talking.”

✅ Truth: Communication isn’t just words.

It’s how we connect, join in, express emotion, and feel understood.

Speech and language difficulties can affect friendships, learning, confidence, and mental health.
It’s not just about speech — it’s about being seen and heard.

💬 Final Thoughts

At Vocal Voyage, we know how it feels to be talked over, underestimated, have our sentences finished for us and to be told you’re not trying hard enough — because we’ve been there too.

We know what it’s like to stay silent — not because there’s nothing to say, but because we’re tired of being interrupted.
Or having people finish our sentences for us.

That’s why we’re building something different.
A space where young people can be themselves, grow in confidence, and find their voice.

Not in spite of their differences — but because of them.

Let’s ditch the myths.
Let’s listen properly.
Let’s make sure no one is made to feel small for how they speak.