SCHOOL AGED LANGUAGE

Expressive language refers to how children use language. As children grow and develop, they use a range of vocabulary, develop their sentence structures, and learn grammar.
Signs of expressive language difficulties include:

• Using sentences that are short and not grammatically correct
• Have difficulty thinking of names of objects or have difficulty searching for a word
• May use vague terms (e.g. 'that thing' or 'on there')
• Difficulties labelling or describing objects and actions
• Difficulties participating in conversation
• Difficulties with retelling a story or event in their day
• Language use is not as complex as it should be for their age

Receptive language refers to your child’s ability to understand language. They develop their ability to understand what is said to them, follow instructions and comprehend concepts and questions.
Signs of receptive language difficulties include:

• Difficulties following instructions with and/or without visuals
• Difficulties understanding different sentence structures
• Difficulties following a conversation
• May appear 'lost' and, as a result, follow what other children are doing 
• Difficulties answering questions
• May appear inattentive
• Repeating back what is said to them