Spotting Language Delays: A Guide to Receptive, Expressive, and Social Skills

The first five years of a child’s life are the most significant for their language development. When considering language development, we are thinking about their receptive(input), expressive(output), and social language skills.

Understanding the foundation of language skills is crucial to identifying a delay in your child’s communication and knowing when to seek help. We know that not all children will have a language delay, but a guide on what you should see your child doing between the ages of 0-5 is helpful with keeping track of their milestones, and how you can help them achieve them.

What is receptive language?

Receptive language is a child’s ability to understand verbal, nonverbal, and written communication. Their input of information. In early childhood, receptive language is what helps little ones make sense of the world. It supports their ability to play, learn, and participate in daily routines by understanding what we ask and following simple directions.

Receptive language examples: 

• Responding to sounds and familiar voices (Birth–1 year)

  Looks toward you, quiets, smiles, or becomes more alert when you speak.

• Following simple directions (1–2 years)

  “Come here,” “Give me the ball,” “Get your cup.”

• Understanding early concepts (2–3 years)

  In/on, big/little, up/down, more/all done.

• Answering simple WH-questions (3–4 years)

  Answers “What is that,” “Where is your shoe,” or “Who is that.”

• Following multi-step directions (4–5 years)

  “Get your shoes, put on your jacket, and meet me by the door.”

What is expressive language?

Expressive language is a child’s ability to share their thoughts, needs, and ideas through words, gestures, facial expressions, signs, or even early attempts at writing. It is the output of their communication. In early childhood, expressive language is what helps little ones tell you what they want, describe what they see, and participate in play and daily routines. It is how they begin to connect, interact, and make their voices heard.

Expressive language examples

• Using sounds and early words (Birth–1 year)

  Cooing, babbling, and making different sounds for different needs.

• Saying first words (1–2 years)

  “Mama,” “Dada,” “ball,” “more,” “bye.”

• Combining words (2–3 years)

  “I want cookie,” “Mommy go work,” “More water.”

• Using longer sentences with early grammar (3–4 years)

  “He is running fast,” “They are playing,” “I want the red one.”

• Telling short stories and sharing ideas (4–5 years)

  “First we played outside, then we ate cake, and it was yummy!”

What is social language?

Social language, also called pragmatic language, is how children use communication to connect with others. It includes skills like taking turns, sharing joint attention, showing interest in others, asking questions, and responding in ways that fit the moment. In early childhood, social language helps little ones join play, build friendships, and understand the natural back-and-forth of communication. It is the foundation for learning how to interact, cooperate, and build meaningful relationships.

Social language examples:

• Sharing joint attention (Birth–1 year)

  Child looks at you and then at a toy when excited or wanting to share interest.

• Using gestures and simple social routines (1–2 years)

  Waves “hi,” brings a toy to show you, points to share something interesting.

• Taking turns during play or communication (2–3 years)

  Rolls a ball back and forth, hands you a toy, waits briefly for their turn.

• Staying connected in simple conversations (3–4 years)

  Responds to what you say and adds a little more:

  Adult: “What are you building?”

  Child: “A tower… and it’s big!”

• Using language to connect with peers (4–5 years)

  “Do you want to play?”, “Let’s build together,” “You be the doctor, I’ll be the puppy.”

Please note: The receptive, expressive, and social language examples highlight just a few ways communication skills can manifest in early childhood. Stay tuned for a complete set of communication milestones by age.

A little Reminder before you go

Receptive, expressive, and social language skills build the foundation for communication, learning, and connection. Knowing what to look for helps you identify when your child may benefit from extra support.

If you have any concerns about your child’s language development, check in with your pediatrician or consult a speech-language pathologist in your area. You never have to navigate this journey alone.