One of the most common things parents tell us is, “My child understands everything I say, but they just aren’t talking.”
It can be confusing when your child follows instructions, points to what they want, and seems to understand conversations, yet uses very few words or doesn’t speak at all.
The good news is that understanding language is a positive sign. However, if your child isn’t using words or is significantly behind their peers in expressive language, it’s worth seeking advice from a speech pathologist.
The short answer
Some children develop understanding (receptive language) before talking (expressive language). While this can be part of typical development, children who have very few words or aren’t meeting expected communication milestones may benefit from a speech pathology assessment.
Early assessment doesn’t always mean therapy is needed, but it can help identify your child’s strengths, provide reassurance, and determine whether additional support would be beneficial.
Understanding language versus talking
Communication has many different parts.
Receptive language
Receptive language is the ability to understand spoken language.
A child with strong receptive language may:
- Follow everyday instructions
- Respond to their name
- Point to familiar objects when asked
- Understand routines
- Answer simple questions using gestures
- Show they understand what is happening around them
Expressive language
Expressive language is how we communicate our thoughts, ideas and needs.
This includes:
- Using words
- Combining words into sentences
- Asking questions
- Sharing ideas
- Telling stories
- Using gestures alongside speech
Some children have age-appropriate receptive language but delayed expressive language.
Why does my child understand but not talk?
There are many reasons why a child may understand more than they are able to say.
Some children are:
- Late talkers
- Developing expressive language more slowly than receptive language
- Learning more than one language
- Experiencing Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
- Living with another developmental condition
Every child develops differently, and there is not always a single explanation.
A speech pathology assessment helps identify your child’s communication profile and guides recommendations for support.
Is understanding language a good sign?
Yes.
Strong receptive language skills are an important strength and can support later communication development.
However, expressive language is also essential for:
- Sharing thoughts and feelings
- Building friendships
- Participating in learning
- Asking questions
- Developing literacy skills
If expressive language is significantly delayed, it’s worth discussing your concerns with a speech pathologist, even if your child appears to understand well.
When should I seek advice?
Consider speaking with a speech pathologist if your child:
- Has very few or no spoken words
- Is not combining two words by around two years of age
- Becomes frustrated when trying to communicate
- Relies mostly on gestures instead of words
- Is difficult for unfamiliar people to understand
- Has stopped using words they previously had
You don’t need to wait until your child starts school. Early support can provide practical strategies during the years when communication skills are developing rapidly.
How can I encourage my child to talk?
Children learn language through meaningful, responsive interactions.
You can support communication by:
- Talking about what your child is interested in
- Reading books together every day
- Following your child’s lead during play
- Giving your child time to respond
- Expanding on the words they already use
- Celebrating all communication attempts, including gestures, sounds and words
Avoid putting pressure on your child to repeat words. Instead, model language naturally during everyday routines.
How Unified Speech Pathology can help
At Unified Speech Pathology, we understand that every child’s communication journey is unique.
Our speech pathologists complete comprehensive assessments to understand your child’s receptive and expressive language skills, identify their strengths, and determine whether additional support is recommended.
We work collaboratively with families to provide evidence-based, family-centred intervention that helps children build confidence and communicate successfully in everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
If my child understands everything, does that mean they don’t need speech therapy?
Not necessarily. Strong understanding is encouraging, but children also need expressive language to communicate their ideas, participate in learning and build relationships. A speech pathology assessment can help determine whether support would be beneficial.
Is my child just choosing not to talk?
Some children are naturally quieter than others, but if your child has very limited spoken language, it’s important to explore whether there is an underlying communication difficulty rather than assuming they are choosing not to speak.
Will my child catch up?
Some late talkers catch up without therapy, while others continue to experience expressive language difficulties. Early assessment helps identify which children may benefit from additional support.
Do I need a referral?
No. Speech pathologists are first-contact practitioners, so you can book an assessment without a referral. If you’re eligible for Medicare or NDIS funding, we can also discuss the funding options available.
References
- Speech Pathology Australia. (n.d.). Communication Milestones. Retrieved from https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au
- Raising Children Network. (n.d.). Language development. Australian Government supported parenting resource. Retrieved from https://raisingchildren.net.au
- Centre of Research Excellence in Speech and Language (CRESL). (n.d.). Speech and language development resources. Retrieved from https://www.cresl.com.au
- Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. (n.d.). Child development and developmental concerns. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.au
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not replace an individual assessment by a qualified speech pathologist or other healthcare professional. If you have concerns about your child’s communication development, seek professional advice.
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