Receptive Language

Receptive language is the ability to understand spoken or written language. Receptive language helps us follow directions and instruction (teaching), and understand conversation/social skills, stories, and jokes. Receptive language skills develop during the first few years of life and continue to improve throughout childhood and into adolescence. Difficulties with receptive language can lead to problems in school and social settings. Receptive language disorders are relatively common, affecting about 5% of school-aged children. However, receptive language skills can be improved with intervention and therapy.

At Chit Chat Speech Therapy, we offer a variety of services that can help individuals with receptive language disorder improve their communication skills. We offer individualized treatment plans that are designed to meet the needs of each patient. We also offer a variety of resources that patients and families can use at home to support the progress made in therapy.

If you're concerned about your child's receptive language skills, contact us at Chit Chat Speech Therapy! Call or text us at 763-280-3202, email us at info@chitchatmn.com, or fill out our contact form.

What are some signs of a receptive language delay?

Not responding to their name when called
Not being able to follow directions
Not responding to conversations appropriately
Not being able to answer questions about a story or movie
Not understanding jokes

How do we increase receptive language skills?

Pairing visuals with instructions
Focusing on 1-2 concepts and practicing that skill over and over throughout the day
Talk about items as you see them (i.e. in the grocery store talk about the yellow bananas being next to the orange and green mangos. or the boxes next to the cans, etc)
Reading books and talking about the books while pointing to the pictures
Singing songs
Playing games

How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?

When parents suspect their child might have a receptive language delay or disorder, they often wonder if their child needs speech therapy. A receptive language disorder can impact a child's ability to follow directions, participate in conversations, or learn in school. While every child develops at their own pace, there are some general milestones to be aware of. By 18 months, most children can understand simple commands such as "come here" or "pick up your toy." By 2 years old, most children can follow two-step instructions and begin to understand words like "in," "on," and "under." If you are concerned that your child is not meeting these milestones, or if they are losing previously acquired receptive language skills, it is important to consult with a speech-language pathologist. A speech therapist can assess your child's receptive language skills and provide guidance on the next steps.

How long does speech therapy take?

There is no set time limit on how long speech therapy is needed. It all depends on the child's needs and abilities. Speech therapy always has more progress the more the family is involved and is working with the child when the therapist is not present. That's why Chit Chat Speech Therapy does parent training, so YOU can learn how to help your child too!

Contact a Speech Therapist for receptive language disorder in Minnesota

You want the best for your child, and you've been told that speech therapy might be a good idea, but you're not sure where to start, or what the next step should be. Chit Chat Speech Therapy can help! We provide speech therapy services for children of all ages in a fun and supportive environment in your own home. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your child reach their full potential. Call or text us at 763-280-3202, email us at info@chitchatmn.com, or fill out our contact form.