Receptive & Expressive Language

Expressive and Receptive Language Development

‍

Expressive Language refers to the ability to use words, sentences, gestures, and body language to communicate thoughts, ideas, and feelings. Children with expressive language difficulties may struggle with forming sentences, using appropriate vocabulary, or expressing themselves clearly.

‍‍

Typical Expressive Language Milestones:

• By 12 months: Saying first words like “mama” or “dada.”
• By 18 months: Using 10–20 words and starting to name familiar objects.
• By 2 years: Combining two words (e.g., “want cookie”) and having a vocabulary of about 50+ words.
• By 3 years: Speaking in short sentences (3–4 words) and being understood by familiar listeners most of the time.
• By 4 years: Telling simple stories and using sentences with 4+ words.
• By 5 years: Speaking in full sentences and having conversations with ease.

‍‍

Common Signs of Expressive Language Challenges

• ‍‍Difficulty using complete sentences
• Limited vocabulary for their age
• Struggles with word finding or recalling words
• Difficulty explaining ideas or telling stories
• Trouble forming grammatically correct sentences

‍

‍Receptive Language involves understanding spoken or written language. It is the ability to comprehend words, sentences, and concepts, and to follow directions or understand stories and instructions. Children with receptive language difficulties may have trouble understanding what others are saying, following multi-step directions, or grasping new concepts.

‍‍

Typical Receptive Language Milestones:

• By 12 months: Responding to their name and understanding basic commands like “no” or “come here.”
• By 18 months: Recognizing names of familiar people, objects, and body parts.
• By 2 years: Following two-step directions (e.g., “Pick up the toy and give it to me”) and understanding simple questions.
• By 3 years: Understanding "who," "what," "where" questions and concepts like "big" and "little."
• By 4 years: Following multi-step directions and understanding “why” questions.
• By 5 years: Understanding more abstract concepts like time words (e.g., "yesterday," "tomorrow") and making inferences.

‍‍

Common Signs of Receptive Language Challenges

• ‍‍Difficulty following directions, especially multi-step instructions
• Trouble understanding questions or simple commands
• Difficulty identifying or matching objects, pictures, or concepts
• Struggles with understanding stories or conversations
• Challenges with understanding abstract language (e.g., idioms, jokes)

‍

Both expressive and receptive language skills are foundational to a child's overall communication abilities. Difficulties in either area can impact a child’s ability to interact with others, succeed academically, and navigate daily life. Often, a child may experience challenges in one area that affect the other. For example, if a child struggles to understand language (receptive language), it can be harder for them to express themselves (expressive language), and vice versa.