Specific expressive language delay (ELD) is a developmental disorder characterized by substantial delay in expressive language, with age-appropriate cognitive and receptive language skill. Opinions differ widely on the clinical significance of ELD and whether it warrants intervention. Although negative sequelae in school achievement and mental health are noted in language disordered populations, there are no prospective longitudinal studies of 2 to 3 year old ELD children. The present study followed the language growth of a carefully defined sample of ELD children over the period just after diagnosis. Standardized assessments of IQ and expressive and receptive language were completed at initial visit and again four months later. Results indicate that the early developmental course of ELD is highly variable; some children show moderate progress, some full recovery and some little change in expressive language skill. Comparison was made between degree of improvement in this sample and that of a group of ELD children in a home-based treatment program. The correlates that emerge from the study allow for better informed treatment decisions and highlight the relevance of longitudinal analysis of ELD.