Language is the comprehension and use of a spoken (e.g., listening and speaking), written (e.g., reading and writing), and/or other communication system (e.g., American Sign Language, augmentative and alternative communication). A child with a language disorder demonstrates difficulty understanding or using language. A child may demonstrate difficulty with receptive language (receptive language disorder), expressive language (expressive language disorder), or both (mixed receptive-expressive language disorder).
Receptive language refers to how children understand or comprehend the language that they hear or read. It is the “input” of language. Children with a receptive language disorder may have difficulty with the following:
- Following directions
- Answering questions
- Identifying objects and pictures
- Reading comprehension
- Understanding a story
Expressive language refers to how children express themselves through verbal or nonverbal communication. It is the “output” of language. Children with an expressive language disorder may have difficulty with the following:
- Asking questions
- Naming objects
- Using gestures
- Requesting desired objects and actions
- Vocabulary
- Syntax (grammar rules)
- Semantics (word/sentence meaning)
- Morphology (forms of words)
If you think your child may have a language delay or disorder, contact us to schedule an evaluation. For more information about the evaluation process, click here.
