Expressive Language Therapy
Helping children put thoughts into words. When children know what they want to say but struggle to express it, they need support building vocabulary, sentence structure, and storytelling skills.
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What is Expressive Language?
Expressive language is how we communicate our thoughts to others: using words, forming sentences, telling stories, and explaining ideas. Children with expressive language difficulties may understand language well but struggle to express themselves effectively.
Expressive language includes: vocabulary (knowing and using words), grammar (putting words together correctly), sentence formulation (organizing thoughts into sentences), and narrative skills (telling stories and explaining events).
Expressive language challenges can be frustrating for children. They know what they want to say but cannot get it out. This affects academic performance, social interactions, and self-confidence.
What Difficulties Look Like
Limited Vocabulary
"Using "thing" or "stuff" instead of specific words"
Short Sentences
""Me want that" instead of "I want the red ball""
Grammar Errors
""Her goed to store" instead of "She went to the store""
Word Finding
"Long pauses, saying "um" frequently, or talking around words"
Signs Your Child May Benefit
Expressive language skills develop progressively. By age 5, children should be using complex sentences and telling organized stories. Persistent difficulties warrant evaluation.
Some children have expressive language delays (developing normally but slowly), while others have language disorders (a different pattern of development). An evaluation determines which applies and guides treatment.
Common Indicators
- Using shorter sentences than peers of the same age
- Difficulty telling stories or explaining events in order
- Limited vocabulary compared to same-age children
- Struggling to find the right words (word retrieval difficulties)
- Using vague language ("that thing," "the stuff") instead of specific words
- Grammar errors beyond what is expected for their age
- Difficulty answering open-ended questions
- Frustration when trying to express ideas or needs
- Overusing simple sentence structures
- Trouble with pronouns, verb tenses, or word order
How Expressive Language Therapy Helps
Through engaging activities, we build the skills children need to express their thoughts clearly and confidently.
What to Expect
Expressive language therapy uses meaningful, interactive activities to build skills that transfer to everyday communication.
Language Assessment
We evaluate vocabulary, sentence structure, grammar, and narrative abilities using standardized tests and language sampling.
Identify Patterns
We determine which aspects of expressive language are affected and how they impact communication in daily life.
Targeted Goals
Based on assessment, we set specific goals targeting your child's areas of need at their developmental level.
Interactive Therapy
Through games, books, and conversation, we practice target skills in engaging, motivating contexts.
Strategy Teaching
We teach children strategies they can use when they struggle to find words or formulate sentences.
Generalization
We work toward using improved language skills naturally in conversation, not just in structured activities.
Concerned About Your Child's Language?
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your child's expressive language skills and learn how therapy could help them communicate more effectively.
Schedule Free Consultation