#UnderstoodButNotExpressed

[tulsiadepu]

She Understands Everything. But She Hardly Speaks.

“She Followed Every Instruction.

She Understood Every Story. She Smiled At Every Joke. But She Rarely — If Ever — Spoke.”

Riya was 4 years old. She:

Followed directions perfectly

Understood cartoon plots

Pointed to everything she wanted

Nodded yes or no clearly

But her words?

One-word replies, if any

No sentences

No questions

No comments on her own

“Everyone said she was understanding everything. So why wasn’t she speaking?”

🧠 When Comprehension Hides Expression Delays

At Pinnacle® Pune, speech-language therapists explain:

“Some children have excellent receptive language — they understand words, tone, instructions — but cannot initiate or form expressive language on their own. And this gap often goes unnoticed until it widens dangerously.”

Key signs of a receptive-expressive gap:

Strong comprehension but limited speaking

Rare use of spontaneous phrases

Answers mostly non-verbally (nods, gestures)

No storytelling, questioning, or imaginative speech

Quiet compliance mistaken for emotional maturity

“Silence isn’t understanding. Silence often hides the need for help.”

📞 The Moment Her Parents Realized It Wasn't Just Shyness

At a family gathering, everyone praised Riya:

“Such a calm child.” “So obedient.” “No tantrums like other kids!”

But when her cousin, aged 3, started chattering non-stop — asking, explaining, imagining — her parents realized:

“Our daughter listens. But she never speaks her world.”

That night, they called 9100 181 181.

The counselor said:

“Shyness is temporary. Persistent silence needs exploration.”

They booked a free AbilityScore©® Screening the next morning.

📊 Riya’s AbilityScore©® Communication Profile

Receptive Language: 🟢 Green (920/1000)

Expressive Language: 🔴 Red (440/1000)

Functional Communication: 🔴 Red

Social Interaction in Play: 🟡 Yellow

She wasn’t lacking understanding. She was lacking expression channels.

🤖 How TherapeuticAI©® Helped Her Voice Find Its Way Out

Her personalized therapy was gentle. Structured. Empowering.

Her AI-guided plan included:

Imitation games (copy words in action)

Picture-exchange verbal prompts

“I want” → “I see” → “I feel” starter sentences

Verbal routines around meals, play, dressing

Parent coaching: How to elicit, not demand, speech

By week 4:

Riya said, “Juice Amma” instead of pointing

Used two words, “Big ball!” during play

Started whispering “Me first” during game circle

“Her first real sentence wasn’t loud. It was a whisper. But it was her world finally opening.”

💬 What Her Family Wants Every Parent To Know

“Don’t confuse quiet with complete. If your child understands but doesn’t speak — it’s not enough. They deserve the tools to share their minds with the world.”

🌍 This Autism Awareness Month — Listen To What’s Missing Between The Smiles

If your child: ✅ Follows directions but doesn’t speak ✅ Points and nods without words ✅ Doesn’t ask, question, or describe ✅ Seems content but doesn’t express

…it’s time to screen expressive language. Because understanding isn't conversation — and every child deserves both.

📞 Book Your Child’s Free Speech Screening in Pune

📞 Call the Pinnacle® National Autism Helpline: 9100 181 181 🌐 www.Pinnacleblooms.org 📍 Pune | Pimpri-Chinchwad | Kothrud | Baner

✅ Free AbilityScore©® Expressive Language Report ✅ Weekly TherapeuticAI©® Communication Plan ✅ Marathi + Hindi + English Speech Therapists ✅ Parent Training on Expression Elicitation

⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational and awareness purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For expert guidance tailored to your child’s needs, please consult a qualified healthcare provider or contact the Pinnacle® National Autism Helpline at 9100 181 181.