Receptive Language Disorders- when a child has trouble understanding what someone else is saying. A child with a receptive language disorder may have problems:
-sequencing (or putting things in the right order)
-following directions
-understanding categories
-answering questions
-understanding what the child has just read
-understanding figurative language (i.e. It's raining cats and dogs outside.)
Expressive Language Disorder- when a child has trouble using their words, writing or using gestures to share their thoughts and feelings. A child with an expressive language disorder may have problems:
-putting words together in the right order
-knowing the names of objects (vocabulary)
-finding the right words when talking
-describing events, pictures, stories, etc.
-using correct grammar or parts of speech
-starting and terminating conversations
-talking in complete sentences
-defining the meaning of words
*The information provided on this page is meant to help you understand some language disorders. It is not a comprehensive list, but rather provides a brief explanation and examples. Although some of these differences described above are typical for children until a certain age, others are not. If you have any questions about your child's language development, please contact your child's school or teacher.