Receptive Language… Expressive Language?

Receptive & Expressive Language Explained

Understanding your child's language development is like exploring their unique world. Receptive language, for instance, is all about what they comprehend. When they effortlessly follow directions like "Pick up the diaper and bring it here, please" or excitedly point to objects when asked, like "Show me the lion! Where’s the lion?"—That's them showcasing their receptive language abilities.

It's worth noting that receptive language development may precede expressive language development.

On the expressive side, it's about the words your child joyfully shares aloud—whether it's a sweet "Cookie," a playful "Uh-oh," or a heartfelt "Daddy go." We can observe their growth by looking at how many different words they consistently use, the length of their sentences, and the evolving grammar they incorporate.

Around 12 months, you can expect your little one's first word, followed by a vocabulary growth spurt from 18 months to 2 years. By 2 years old, they should be weaving together an average of 2 words per sentence, progressing to 3 words for 3-year-olds and 4 words for 4-year-olds.

By the age of 4, their grammar should be on point most of the time.

Remember, early intervention is key when addressing language delays or disorders. Research tells us that the linguistic rich tend to get richer, so if you notice your child isn't expressing themselves as much as their peers, don't hesitate to seek support. We're here for you!

Check out for more info:

https://www.asha.org/slp/schools/prof-consult/norms/

https://www.ldonline.org/ld-topics/speech-language/speech-and-language-milestone-chart