Receptive Language Delays

Receptive language delays can be defined as the inability to comprehend both verbal and nonverbal language. Children who suffer from receptive language delays have problems understanding both spoken as well as written and gestural language.

Receptive language includes skills such as; answering questions, responding to gestures, following directions, participating in conversation as well as identifying age-appropriate concepts and vocabulary.

Receptive language delays occur when children appear to be achieving language developmental milestones later than expected (compared to their peers in the same age group). There are many signs to look out for if you want to know if your child is experiencing receptive language delays. Below are some of the main signs/symptoms.

If your child suffers from a receptive language delay, he/she may not seem to listen when spoken to. Children who suffer from receptive language delays may also find it hard to listen when there is any kind of background noise. Receptive language delays also cause disinterest in language tasks i.e. reading story books. These language difficulties usually result in language skills that are below the expected level.

Since children go through developmental stages that dictate their language level, there are a number of clues you can look out for in regards to age. For instance, all children aged 1 (15 months and above) should be able to look as well as point at objects and people. All children aged one and a half years should be able to follow simple language directions i.e. ''come here''. At age 2, children are able to point to body parts when they are named. By age 3, children should be able to understand action words. If your child can’t do one or more of the above, he/she may be experiencing a receptive language delay.

Speech-language pathologists tests for the ability to understand spoken as well as written and gestural language. Tests are usually carried in the child’s primary language. This is usually the case since testing using a second language may make it seem like the child may have a language disorder when that’s not the case.

Speech-language pathologists also conduct interviews with the aim of observing and analyzing speech in different situations/environments. Interviews are meant to assess how weak a child’s communication skills are i.e. how they prevent him/her from doing what other children do i.e. playing certain games.

Speech-language pathologists also use different tactics aimed at figuring out how their patients may respond to different treatments. After diagnosis, speech-language pathologists work closely with their patients to develop effective treatment plans. Since different children respond differently, treatment is highly personalized to meet the exact needs of every child.

Parents are also advised to make reading as well as other language experiences as interactive as possible. For instance, you should discuss book pictures with your child and encourage your child to act out stories with puppets. Supplementing professional speech therapy treatment with the above interventions at home increases the chances of your child experiencing a full recovery.