Challenges with expressive language can present in many different forms. Expressive language challenges involve difficulties expressing wants and needs and communicating with others using language. Expressive language delays can start as early as 16-18 months with children who are “late talkers” and can continue through ages 2-5 if children are having difficulties with sentence structure and grammar. Older children (6+) with expressive language difficulties often have trouble with narratives (e.g. talking about their days, retelling stories) and using both specific and descriptive language.
Challenges with receptive language also present themselves in many forms. These challenges involve the difficulties in understanding language. This can lead to difficulties answering yes/no questions, wh- (who, what, where, when, how) questions, following directions and story comprehension.
See below for expected expressive and receptive language development (source)
