language – Our Speech Garden

Difference between receptive language and expressive language

May 5, 2024 Melanie Shea, MS, CCC-SLP

One of the first things I explain to parents when I conduct a language evaluation is the difference between Receptive Language and Expressive Language. Do you know the difference between the two? Don’t worry, that’s the point of this blog, let’s dive in.

Expressive language refers to the language used for communication. It is the ability to physically express oneself. So put simply it is the individual’s ability to gather their thoughts and compile them into a cohesive message in the form of language. Expressive language skills involve the use of grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure to convey meaning. This can include speaking, writing, and using sign language or other forms of communication. For example, a child might use expressive language when they say “I want a cookie” to request a cookie, or when they write a paragraph in an essay explaining a concept. A person with an expressive language impairment would have difficulty trying to communicate their wants and needs, potentially in any format.

Receptive language refers to the ability to understand and interpret language that is spoken or written. This includes the ability to follow directions, understand the meaning

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of words and sentences, and identify the main idea of a passage. For example, a child might use receptive language when they follow the instructions “Please pick up your toys and put them in the toy box” or when they read a passage and answer questions about its content. A person with an receptive language impairment may have difficulty simply understanding what is being said to them, either at a basic or complex level, or under certain parameters.

Its important to note that expressive and receptive language skills are closely related and will often develop together. However, one can be more impaired than the other. Typically the receptive language will develop prior to expressive (i.e. they understand more than they are initially able to communicate.) Ultimately, both are vital to effectively communicate.

Examples of expressive language skills include:
-Speaking in full sentences
-Using a wide range of vocabulary
-Using proper grammar and sentence structure
-Asking questions
-Making statements
-Making requests

Examples of receptive language skills include:
-Following directions
-Understanding the meaning of words and sentences
-Identifying the main idea of a passage
-Understanding the relationships between words (e.g., synonyms, antonyms)
-Understanding the meaning of nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions and tone of voice
-Understanding the meaning of idioms and figurative language

It’s important to realize impairments in expressive or receptive language can affect an individual’s social interactions, learning, and overall quality of life. If you are concerned an individual is having difficulty with expressive or receptive language, feel free to reach out with further questions, as they may benefit from direct Speech and Language services.

When do I seek help from an SLP?

April 29, 2024 Melanie Shea, MS, CCC-SLP

If you thought you were in the rat race before, it really climbs to another level when you become a parent. I have never experienced such a high level of constant criticism,

advice, pressure, doubt, excitement, fear, pride,… I mean you name it we experience it. And why? Because everyone has something to say about your child. The pediatrician is constantly reminding you about those milestones. Those mommies in the mommy groups can’t stop talking about all the “new skills” their babies have developed and how they are already working on that Harvard application. Those distant relatives you see every few years are letting you know… “in my day we did…. <Insert outdated practice here>” or “you worry to much” or my personal favorite “well uncle Clide didn’t speak until he was 5 and he turned out fine.” It is no wonder parents are constantly stressed out. Not to mention the notion of “know better, do better” but in the age of information, we know so much that it can be immensely overwhelming. As if keeping a tiny human alive and happy isn’t difficult enough. All the additional pressure from society surely doesn’t help.

Despite the unrealistic expectations placed upon parents at times (many times) there are moments where there’s a real reason to be concerned. When it comes to speech and language I want to ease some of your concerns and give you some basic guidelines. This way, when everyone is coming at you for one thing or another, you have your own frame of reference to work from.

Click on the links below for a free downloadable Milestone sheet:

12 Months: Speech and Language Milestones at 12 Months

Up to 2 Years Old: Speech and Language Milestones at 2 Years

Up to 3 Years Old: Speech and Language Milestones at 3 Years

Up to 4 Years Old: Speech and Language Milestones at 4 Years

Up to 5 Years Old: Speech and Language Milestones at 5 Years

And as always, if you are left with more questions than answers, reach out for a consultation. We provide serve to the Tampa Bay area, in both English and Spanish. And if you are further out, we can provide consultations.

What is an SLP?

April 22, 2024April 29, 2024 Melanie Shea, MS, CCC-SLP

So frequently when people find out I’m a Speech Language Pathologist I get one of three responses: (1) Oh so you work with /s/’s and /r/’s!, (2) You’re a what? Or (3) That awesome my <insert family/friend/self> had therapy and it made such a difference. But even those who have direct interaction with a Speech Language Pathologist, oftentimes don’t realize the scope of the profession. And if you really want to blow someone’s mind tell them you work in a hospital or are a medical SLP. Of course you’re here, so either you have some background knowledge, are looking for services, or just want to learn more. Regardless of what brought you here, I’m going to help you understand the “who, what, where, when, and why” of the SLP’s world.

Who:

One of the best parts of being a speech language pathologist, is the fact that our profession allows us to work with all stages of life from infants in the NICU, to grandparents at nursing homes or ALFs.

What:

The best way it was described to me as a student was: “An SLP works with everything from the neck up.” That means: Dysphagia (swallowing disorders) Voice (anything impacting vocal quality such as resonance, intensity, quality), Speech disorders (such as articulation, phonological, dysarthria), Fluency (stuttering), Aphasia (which is categorized as a result of portions of the brain being damage, impacting expressive language & receptive), Cognition (which includes memory, problem solving, sequencing, mental manipulation, numerical sense, etc.). Additionally, Language (which can be receptive vs expressive and is the way one perceives communication and their ability to effectively communicate wants, needs, and more) and the use of AAC (alternative augmentative communication) because communication is more than just verbal, so if we can aid someone in finding a manner to communicate that’s what we do.

Where:

SLP’s work virtually everywhere: At homes, daycares, schools, private clinics, in libraries or public locations, in hospitals, in skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities. We can even come to you online. Therapists can come to you or you can come to them. There are even mobile dysphagia diagnostic trucks.

When:

Like mentioned above, there are no age requirements as to when you could use the services of an SLP. But rather, there are qualifying factors. As soon as you identify a concern (whether it is with your child’s development or your aging parent’s sustaining abilities) you should request a referral from your primary health care provider. Most insurance will cover the initial evaluation and many therapists will provide free screenings. Getting answers and early intervention is always the best option for aiding your loved one, in progressing or maintaining as much of their skills as possible.

Why:

This depends on each person. However, the purpose of our therapy is to improve quality of life, at any stage of life. We don’t often realize how much and how vital communication is and without it how isolated one can feel. Our job is to help bridge the gap as much as we can. It is no different with any other area in the field from dysphagia to fluency and cognition. Often most skills related to that area are implemented without thought, and it is not until you or someone you love has an impairment that you realize how vital and how complex it really is.

Hopefully, at this point you have a better understanding of everything your Speech Language Pathologist is educated and equipped to handle. But if I missed something, or you have additional questions please do not hesitate to reach out.

Being Bilingual & Language Impairments

April 12, 2024April 29, 2024 Melanie Shea, MS, CCC-SLP

“Is my child at risk of a language impairment because we speak two languages?“

As a bilingual speech language pathologist, I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve had a parent come into my treatment room full of embarrassment and shame, as they ask “is this my fault?” No! Wanting to preserve your culture and foster the ability to communicate and connect with your child is not the cause of a language impairment. On the contrary, research shows duo-language learners have numerous neurological advantages.

One study found that bilingual children had better executive function, or the ability to plan, organize, and complete tasks, compared to monolingual children (Bialystok, 2001). Executive function is an important predictor of language development as it involves the ability to use language to solve problems and communicate effectively. Another study found that bilingual children had a more advanced theory of mind, or the ability to understand the thoughts and feelings of others, compared to monolingual children (Bialystok, 2006). Theory of mind is also an important predictor of language development as it involves the ability to use language to express and interpret others’ mental states. In addition to these cognitive benefits, being bilingual has also been found to have a protective effect against age-related cognitive decline (Bialystok, Craik, & Freedman, 2007). This means that bilingual individuals may be less likely to experience cognitive decline as they age, compared to monolingual individuals.

Given these neurological benefits, it is clear that being bilingual is not the cause of a language impairment. In fact, it is likely that any language impairment in a bilingual child would be due to other factors. However, the reality is this concept of being bilingual leading to impairments is a common misconception. As a speech language pathologist it is vital we continue to educate those around us of the benefits and we stop encouraging bilingual families from speaking their native language.

***It is also important to recognize that a language impairment would be visible in both languages, not just one.*** If a child is experiencing a language impairment, they may have difficulty producing and comprehending language in both languages.

If you are a bilingual Spanish speaker and you are worried about your child’s language development, feel free to reach out. If you are local to the Tampa Bay area we would be happy to meet with you in person. If you are a little farther we are happy to do a virtual meeting and provide as much guidance as possible.

Ultimately anyone can have a language impairment, but it’s not going to be caused by being bilingual. And if you are struggling with this currently as a parent, we are here to walk alongside you, support you, or point you in the right direction.