Understanding Words and Sentences

In order for children to use speech it is critical that they first understand what is being said to them. Most children begin to understand gestures and words before they turn one; they rapidly learn the meaning of a large number of words and then can follow simple instructions.

However for some children this process does not happen smoothly or naturally. They have difficulties understanding spoken language and this can affect their ability to follow instructions, join in conversations, and learn new skills. It can also lead to longer-lasting problems with attention and listening skills, poor behaviour, and difficulties reading and writing at school.

Below is a quick guide to the language a child should understand at each stage of development:

12 Months

• Can tell the difference between different sounds
• Responds to ‘no’
• Understands some single words e.g. Daddy, car, eyes, phone, key
• Begins to respond to requests e.g. “Give it to Mummy”
• Begins to respond to questions e.g. “More juice?”

18 Months

• Can identify a range of common objects
• Understands simple directions with or without cues e.g. “Push the bus!”

2 Years

• Understands several pronouns, e.g. me, my, your
• Understands concepts of quantity, e.g. one, some, all
• Understands action words, e.g. eat, sleep, etc.

2 Years 6 Months

• Begins to understand basic prepositions, e.g. in, on
• Can identify objects by function
• Understands some attributes, e.g. big, broken

3 Years

• Understands harder descriptive concepts, e.g. empty, same
• Begins to understand the names of some colours
• Understands simple ‘who, what, where’ questions

4 Years

• Understands more complex directions, e.g. two-part instructions
• Understands harder prepositions e.g. between, next to
• Begins to understand ‘why’ questions and how to make inferences
• Understands most of what is said, including stories and simple questions about themselves

5 Years

• Understands concepts of timing, e.g. first, last, next
• Understands more complex concepts of quantity and size, e.g. heavier than, bigger than

There are some general tips that can help children to understand what is being said:

• Keep sentences short and simple
• Say your child’s name before giving them an instruction to help them focus on what you are saying
• Use pointing and gestures alongside your words
• Talk about what your child is playing with and things that are happening around them
• When playing with them be face-to-face and down on their level, to encourage eye contact and to see what they are looking at
• Encourage your child to listen to everyday sounds, such as the doorbell or a lorry outside, or use instruments to encourage them to listen
• Allow time for your child to think about what you have said before saying it again if they haven’t fully understood you
• Rephrase and shorten an instruction using gesture if they didn’t understand you the first time

At times a child may appear to understand when they really don’t. They may use a lot of language, repeat nursery rhymes and imitate adults. This does not necessarily mean that they understand what is being said – that needs to be checked separately.