In Polish logopedics there are different interpretations and definitions of the semantic scope of terms that serve to describe abnormalities in the acquisition of native language and its use by the child. Family tradition, different approaches by researchers, and the complexity of the problem make it difficult to introduce a uniform, unequivocal terminology conformant with the Western standards. It is not advisable to excessively build up terminology; however, in the case of terms: speech development disorder, language development disorder, speech development delay, delayed speech development (ORM), differentiation of terms makes sense. The author calls for adopting strictly defined meanings of the foregoing specific concepts in order to facilitate the description of disorder of speech and language development.

In the history of the human species the evolution of linguistic abilities took place with the development of increasingly complex brain structures at many levels of their internal organization. The order of occurrence of successive phases in the process of the development of linguistic abilities in human phylo- and ontogenesis is determined by the principle: from the most primitive to increas-ingly complex. This hierarchy is based on neurobiological determinants – all levels of brain orga-nization take part in the processes of production and reception of utterances. The universal and complete model of man’s development as a species and individual builds the perspective that organizes the knowledge of neurobiological determinants of human linguistic abilities. The article discusses evolution and involution concepts, as well as strategies that should be adopted to stimulate, shape and rebuild linguistic behaviors in children with speech disorders and in adults with neuro-degenerative and involutional changes. These strategies stem from the laws of the development and operation of the human nervous system.