Receptive language is what your child understands. It is an important part of early language development and is often forgotten. Some examples of early receptive language skills include following 1-2 step directions, identifying objects/pictures, recognizing actions in pictures/verbs in play, and identifying body parts/clothing. Below is a list of receptive language milestones for children ages 0-12 months (information taken from The Early Intervention Kit, LinguiSystems).

0-3 months

• Quiets to a familiar voice

‚Ä¢ Moves in response to voice. 

• Discriminates between angry and friendly voices

3-6 months

• Begins to recognize own name

• Responds to “no”

• Smiles in response to speech

6-9 months

• Responds to “no” most of the time

• Moves toward or looks for family members when named

• Responds to “come here” (if your child is mobile)

9-12 months

• Responds to some verbal requests such as giving objects and gesturing when asked “Want up?”

• Identifies 2 body parts on self

• Participates in speech routine games, such as “So Big”