Category — 2.8 Children with Communication Disorders

Language delay is commonly divided into receptive and expressive categories.

Receptive language is the process of understanding what is said to us. A child had receptive language disorder when he or she has difficulties with understanding what is said to them. Symptoms vary, but problems with language comprehension usually begin anytime between ages 2 and 4 years of age.

Expressive language refers to the use of words and sentences to communicate to others.

Language delay can be a risk factor (see full Glossary) for other types of developmental delay, including social, emotional, and cognitive delay.  One common result of language delay is difficulty with reading.