Receptive language refers to the ability to understand incoming auditory or visual messages; the ability to comprehend information. 

Expressive language refers to the use of symbols (words or written messages) to form meaningful messages; the ability to produce language.

Language disorders may result from developmental issues (delayed acquisition) or acquired from the loss or interruption of language function due to illness or trauma.

Therapy services for child language disorders may be offered for infants through adolescents and are primarily provided on an individual basis. 

Language therapy may involve exposure to language models, expansion of current language forms, and family education and involvement. 

Additionally, language includes vocabulary, grammar, pragmatic/social use, following directions, basic concepts, making inferences, critical thinking, and language organization.