Expressive language refers to a child’s ability to communicate thoughts, needs, and ideas to others. This involves using words, gestures, and facial expressions to convey messages. It encompasses a range of skills, from making sounds and babbling to forming sentences and engaging in conversations. Expressive language differs from receptive language, which is the ability to understand what others are communicating.
Developmental Milestones and Warning Signs
By 12 Months
Infants around 12 months begin to babble with varied sounds, such as “mamama” or “dadada”. They often use gestures like waving “bye-bye” or pointing to desired objects to communicate. A child at this age might also begin to say their first meaningful words, like “mama” or “dada”.
Concerns may arise if a child does not babble or use gestures to communicate by their first birthday. A lack of attempts to imitate sounds or words heard from caregivers also warrants attention. Failure to respond to their name consistently could indicate a need for further evaluation.
By 18 Months
Around 18 months, children usually have a vocabulary of approximately 5 to 10 words. They often begin to point to objects or pictures when named, demonstrating a connection between words and items. Some children at this age may start to combine two words, such as “more juice” or “daddy up.”
Warning signs at this age include having fewer than 5-10 words in their vocabulary or not using any words at all. Not pointing to communicate or difficulty following simple one-step directions might also be indicators. A child who does not imitate words or sounds may also be experiencing a delay.
By 2 Years
By two years of age, a child’s vocabulary expands, reaching 50 or more words. They begin to combine two words regularly, creating short phrases like “big dog” or “want cookie.” Children at this stage can name familiar objects and body parts. They are also starting to ask simple “what’s that?” questions.
A child who is not combining two words by 24 months, or who has a vocabulary of fewer than 50 words, may have an expressive language delay. Limited imitation of words or actions, or showing limited interest in communicating with others, are also signs.
By 3 Years
Three-year-old children use sentences of three or more words to express their thoughts and needs. They can tell simple stories or describe recent events. Their speech is becoming more understandable to unfamiliar listeners. Children at this age ask many “who,” “what,” and “where” questions.
Indications of a possible delay at this age include difficulty forming sentences of three or more words or being frequently misunderstood by unfamiliar people. A child who struggles to answer simple questions or express their needs clearly may also have a delay. Limited participation in conversations with peers or adults can also be a sign.
Potential Underlying Causes
For many children, an expressive language delay, often termed “late talking,” occurs without a specific identifiable reason. These children may simply need more time to develop their communication skills, and many catch up to their peers by preschool age. This developmental trajectory is common and does not always indicate a more pervasive issue.
In some instances, a delay can stem from hearing loss. A child cannot learn to produce sounds and words effectively if they struggle to hear them consistently. Oral-motor skill challenges, such as childhood apraxia of speech, can also impact expressive language by making it difficult to coordinate the muscles needed for clear speech production. These children understand language but have difficulty planning and executing the complex movements for speaking. An expressive language delay can also be an early symptom of broader developmental conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, where challenges in social communication are a defining feature.
The Path to Diagnosis and Support
When caregivers notice concerns about a child’s expressive language development, the first step involves consulting their pediatrician. The pediatrician can conduct an initial assessment to rule out any underlying medical conditions, such as hearing impairments, which might contribute to the delay. They can also provide a referral to a specialist for a comprehensive evaluation.
A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is the primary professional who evaluates and treats expressive language delays. The SLP conducts a formal evaluation, which involves observing the child in play, using standardized language assessments, and interviewing caregivers about the child’s communication patterns and developmental history. This evaluation helps determine the specific areas of language affected and the severity of the delay. Speech therapy is the main intervention, offering targeted strategies and exercises to help the child develop their expressive communication skills.
Strategies for Caregivers at Home
Caregivers can play a role in fostering a child’s expressive language development through consistent daily interactions. Modeling language involves narrating actions and thoughts aloud, such as saying, “I am stirring the soup” or “You are pushing the car.” This provides the child with rich examples of words and sentence structures. Expanding on a child’s utterances is another technique; if a child says “ball,” a caregiver might respond with “Yes, it’s a big red ball!” adding more descriptive words.
Engaging in interactive reading with books that have repetitive phrases or clear pictures can encourage a child to participate by pointing or attempting to name objects. Parallel talk involves describing what the child is doing or seeing, like “You’re building a tall tower” or “The dog is running fast,” without expecting an immediate response. Reducing pressure by limiting direct questions and instead focusing on commenting or making observations can also encourage natural communication. These strategies create a supportive environment where a child feels comfortable experimenting with language.