Expressive Language Tests

Expressive language tests measure a person’s ability to use spoken language. Expressive language is often impaired in children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and poor expressive language skills may be the first indication that a child has a developmental disorder. Although most children with autism will eventually acquire at least some language skills, these skills are commonly delayed and impaired. They usually have difficulty both understanding what is said (receptive language skills) and verbalizing their ideas and needs (expressive language skills). Expressive language tests are typically administered by psychologists or speech and language therapists, usually as part of a larger test battery. When language delays are presented, it is common to administer a number of tests of receptive and expressive language. This entry ...