Preschool Language

Preschool children (3 to 5 years old) with language disorders may have trouble understanding and talking.

Some children have problems with understanding, also called receptive language. They may have trouble:

• Understanding what gestures mean
• Following directions
• Answering questions
• Identifying objects and pictures
• Taking turns when talking with others

Some children have problems talking, also called expressive language. They may have trouble:

• Asking questions
• Naming objects
• Using gestures
• Putting words together into sentences
• Learning songs and rhymes
• Using correct pronouns, like "he" or "they"
• Knowing how to start a conversation and keep it going

NOTE: Many children have problems with both understanding and talking.

Some children also have trouble with early reading and writing, such as:

• Holding a book right side up
• Looking at pictures in a book and turning pages
• Telling a story with a beginning, a middle, and an end
• Naming letters and numbers
• Learning the alphabet

Early Signs of possible language problems:

• Doesn't smile or interact with others (birth-3 months)
• Does not babble (4-7 months)
• Makes few sounds (7-12 months)
• Does not use gestures , e.g. waving, pointing (7-12 months)
• Doesn't understand what others say (7 months-2 years)
• Says only a few words (12-18 months)
• Doesn't put words together to make sentences (1 1/2 - 3 years)
• Has trouble playing and talking with other children (2-3 years)
• Doesn't show an interest in books or drawing (2 1/2 -3 years)

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How Does Your Child Hear and Talk?