Normal language, communication and social development — formative SAQs

SAQ 1 (10 marks)

Parents of a 15-month-old ask what “normal talking” should look like. ^{[1] [4]}

1. Distinguish receptive language, expressive language and social communication. (3) ^[4]
2. List expected skills around 12–18 months using evidence-informed milestones. (4) ^[1]
3. Name two red flags that would stop pure reassurance today. (3) ^{[1] [2]}

Model answer

Receptive language is understanding. Expressive language is words and meaning. Social communication is how skills are used with people — joint attention, gesture, name response and reciprocity. ^[4] By 12–18 months most children have first meaningful words, emerging pointing/gesture and comprehension of familiar phrases; babble and name response should already be established earlier. ^[1] Red flags include no words by about 16 months, absent pointing/joint attention, no babble by 12 months, or any regression. ^{[1] [2]}