Understanding Expressive and Receptive Language
When teaching language skills, it’s helpful to break them down into two categories: expressive and receptive language.
- Expressive language refers to a child’s ability to speak or communicate. For example, if you hold up a ball and ask, “What is this?” and your child responds, “Ball,” they are using expressive language.
- Receptive language involves understanding spoken words. If you say, “Go find a ball,” and your child retrieves one, they are demonstrating receptive language.
Teaching Receptive Language
Before focusing on verbal communication, it’s important to ensure your child understands what is being asked. Follow these steps to develop receptive language skills:
- Start with familiar items – Place one or two objects your child knows in front of them. Ask them to “Find,” “Get,” or “Show me” the object.
- Reinforce correct responses – If your child selects the correct item, provide praise, a high-five, or another form of positive reinforcement.
- Use physical prompts if needed – If your child struggles, gently guide their hand to the correct object. Alternatively, try gesturing or pointing toward the item.
- Introduce new words – Once your child understands the process, add an unfamiliar item to the mix and repeat the exercise.
Practicing this consistently will help your child associate words with objects, strengthening their comprehension skills.
Teaching Expressive Language
Once your child understands object names, you can encourage them to verbally label items. Follow these steps:
- Ask a direct question – Hold up an object and say, “What is this?” or “Can you tell me what this is?”
- Provide a model if needed – If your child does not respond or gives an incorrect answer, model the correct response by saying, “Say ball.”
- Encourage repetition – Have your child repeat the word, then ask the question again to give them the opportunity to respond independently.
- Use assistive communication devices if applicable – If your child uses an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device like Proloquo2Go or Touch Chat, encourage them to select or spell out the item’s name.
Key Tips for Success
- Ensure engagement – Before asking your child a question, wait for them to look at you and ensure they are seated and focused.
- Limit distractions – Choose a quiet, structured environment to help your child concentrate.
- Reinforce effort – Celebrate even small successes to keep your child motivated.
- Consult with a BCBA – If your child receives ABA therapy, work with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for personalized strategies and troubleshooting.
If you’re looking for professional guidance, our team offers tele-health and in-person ABA services to help your child build essential communication skills.
Interested in starting services? Contact us today to begin the process!
For more online information, you can check:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) – Teaching Language to Children with Autism