Print this Page  Receptive Language Disorder (Comprehension and
Understanding)  Children with receptive language disorder have
difficulties with the comprehension of language, understanding
words, sentence structures or concepts. Sometimes in these cases
the child’s expressive language may give the impression they are
functioning at an age appropriate level, but their understanding
may be compromised. The child with a receptive language disorder
or delay may appear to understand because they are able to pick
out key words in sentences and follow non-verbal clues such as
pointing or eye gaze of the speaker. If you are concerned that
your child is has langauge problems, or is having difficulty
understanding language, start by checking their hearing. You can
also try a couple of tests yourself – give them simple
instructions that are out of context, such as ‘Please get you
coat and boots’ when it is not time to leave the house (remember
to give no non-verbal cues such as pointing or eye gaze). Simple
tests like