Let's Chat about Receptive Language
What is Receptive Language Delay?
Receptive Language Delay is one of the many reasons a toddler may be a late talker. Have you ever wondered whether your toddler is simply "a late talker" or if there's more going on?
Research shows some factors indicate that a child’s late talking is possibly an indicator of a developmental delay. Receptive Language Delay is one of the signs of a possible developmental delay.
Receptive language delays are the most overlooked problem in child development. Many guardians, doctors, and even a few specialists miss this. Some professionals believe it’s the number one reason some children with language delays aren't yet talking. Kids need to figure out how to understand words before they use words. You can’t run before you walk, and you can’t use most words if you don’t yet understand them.
Oftentimes during an evaluation when parents are asked how their late talker comprehends language, they answer with… "She understands everything I tell her."
While this can be valid for a few late talkers, commonly there’s likely an underlying reason; receptive language delay.
What is receptive language?
Receptive language is what the child understands. The most well-known way a baby/toddler shows his/her capacity to comprehend language is by answering what you say or following a direction that was given to them. They look at you when you call out to them, follow simple directions, and participate in conversations you have with them.
For instance, you may nonchalantly say, "It's almost time for your bath." A child who understands the receptive language you just used:
may get excited
shake his/her head excitedly (as though to reply "yes" or "no")
rush to the restroom
get your hand to pull you along
start to bring toys he/she wants to play with in the tub.
Those reactions are various ways a kid tells you he's understood the receptive language, and those are all examples of comprehending without saying a word.
Indicators of Receptive Language Delay
A child who doesn't follow simple verbal orders over the day when they are a year and a half old likely has a receptive language delay.
On the off chance that you have a 2-year-old who doesn't answer his name, can't find typical things when asked/told, or won't identify body parts, typical objects, or pictures when you inquire "Where's the ___?" a receptive language delay is something to explore.
While it is hard to figure out what a young child comprehends, it’s important not to disregard these early signs. He's not deciding to rebel - he probably doesn’t fully comprehend what you've asked him/her to do. It’s important if you recognize these signs in your child to contact a speech/language pathologist about potential interventions you can do at home.
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