5 Signs Your Child May Understand More Than They Can Say

Spoken language and understanding are not the same thing. A child who speaks very little—or who doesn’t consistently answer questions—may still understand considerably more than they can express verbally. Look beyond speech. Does your child follow familiar routines? Find requested objects? React to conversations? Respond to familiar people or places? Communicate through pointing, gestures, pictures, AAC, actions, or facial expressions? These behaviors can provide information about what your child understands, although no single behavior proves a particular level of language comprehension. Continue speaking respectfully, give processing time, and provide multiple ways to communicate. Never assume that limited speech means limited understanding.