Mixed Expressive Receptive

Language Disorder

(MERLD)

Mixed receptive-expressive language disorder (DSM-IV 315.32) is a communication disorder in which a child struggles to get their meaning or message across to others (expressive) and also struggles to understand and process the messages and information they receive (receptive) from others. MERLD ranges from mild to severe. Speech therapy can help.

boy jumping

Common Symptoms

icon

Expressive

  • Limited ability to form sentences.
  • Leaving words out of sentences.
  • Saying words in the wrong order.
  • Reduced vocabulary in comparison to other children of the same age.
icon

Receptive

  • Difficulty understanding what someone has said.
  • Struggles to follow directions that are spoken.
  • Confusion surrounding abstract nouns or spatial terms.