Expressive Language Delays/Disorders
Expressive language delays and/or disorders are characteristic in a child who has difficulties or inabilities to express himself through spoken language. Many parents identify concerns in their child by the apparent gap in what the child understands versus what he is able to communicate. Expressive language delays are often evident in early developmental stages. For example, at 18 months of age, a child should be producing 15 – 20 words and possibly be beginning to put 2 words together (”more juice”, “mommy up”). If, at 18 months, your child is not saying any words, treatment would be recommended.
Many children with expressive language difficulties show frustration at their inability to communicate. Language therapy will help address these frustrations and provide your child with alternative ways to communicate (ie, sign language, picture communication symbols, etc) in conjunction with treatment until the verbal language begins to emerge.
Please see our Developmental Milestones article for more information on what to expect at different age levels.
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