Expressive & Receptive Language Disorders
Speech Avenue - Pediatric Speech Pathology Clinic in Tustin, CA
Understanding the Difference—and Supporting Your Child’s Communication
Language helps children connect, learn, and share who they are with the world. But for some children, using or understanding language doesn’t come easily.
If your child has difficulty expressing their thoughts, following directions, or answering questions, they may be experiencing an expressive, receptive, or mixed language disorder.
What Are Expressive & Receptive Language Disorders?
Receptive language refers to how we understand spoken or written language.
Expressive language is how we use words, phrases, and sentences to communicate our ideas.
Some children may have challenges in one of these areas. Others may have difficulty with both.
Receptive Language Difficulties
A child with receptive language challenges may:
- Struggle to follow directions, especially multi-step ones
- Seem confused during conversations
- Have trouble answering questions
- Appear like they’re “not listening,” when they’re actually not fully understanding
These children might be quiet or withdraw during group activities—not because they aren’t interested, but because language feels overwhelming.
Expressive Language Difficulties
A child with expressive language challenges may:
- Use fewer words than expected for their age
- Have trouble putting words together into clear sentences
- Struggle to find the right words or mix up word order
- Rely on gestures, sounds, or pointing instead of talking
- Become frustrated when others don’t understand them
They may know more than they can say—and feel discouraged when their ideas don’t come out the way they want.
Mixed Language Delays
Some children experience both receptive and expressive difficulties. These children may have trouble understanding what is said to them and also expressing themselves clearly. With the right support, we can strengthen both sides of communication together.
Our Focus
Dedicated Approach to Early Support
Personalized Attention
Engaging Methods
Therapy Tools
How We Identify Language Disorders
At Speech Avenue, we begin with a thorough evaluation. We look at how your child:
- Follows directions and answers questions
- Understands and uses vocabulary
- Builds sentences
- Tells stories or shares ideas
- Communicates in everyday situations
We also talk with you to understand what you’re noticing at home, school, or in social settings. Your insights are a key part of the process.
How Speech Therapy Helps
We tailor therapy to your child’s needs, age, and learning style. Whether your child is just beginning to speak or working on building more complex language, our sessions are play-based, engaging, and goal-driven.
Therapy may focus on:
- Expanding vocabulary
- Building sentence structure
- Improving grammar and word order
- Answering and asking questions
- Following directions
- Retelling stories or describing events
We use games, visuals, movement, books, songs, and conversation—all personalized to what motivates your child most.
Supporting Language at Home
You’re a vital part of your child’s progress. We’ll share simple, natural ways to support language during everyday routines like mealtime, playtime, or storytime.
Our goal is to help language feel accessible, enjoyable, and empowering—both in and out of the therapy room.
Areas We Serve
We also offer help to parents from nearby areas of Tustin like:
- Irvine
- Santa Ana
- Orange
- Anaheim
- Costa Mesa
- Fullerton
- Garden Grove
- Laguna Hills
- Mission Viejo
- Newport Beach
Every Child Deserves to Be Understood
Language is more than just words—it’s how children express who they are. When a child struggles with understanding or expressing themselves, it can affect their confidence, relationships, and learning. But with the right support, their voice can grow strong.
We’re here to support your child’s communication journey—step by step, word by word, with care and encouragement all along the way.
Take the First Step
We understand how tough it can feel when your child is struggling to express themselves. At Speech Avenue, we’re here to help—with compassion, expertise, and a plan tailored just for your child. Call us at (949) 414-5526 to begin the journey. You don’t have to do this alone.
