Which characteristic is commonly observed in clients with receptive language disorders?

Clients with receptive language disorders typically exhibit difficulties in understanding language, which directly impacts their ability to process instructions. This means they may struggle to comprehend spoken or written language, leading to confusion or frustration when trying to follow directions.

In contrast, high levels of verbal articulation, excessive use of complex language, and the ability to form coherent sentences are not characteristics typically associated with receptive language disorders. Individuals with such disorders might actually have intact articulation and grammar but face significant challenges in understanding the meaning behind the words they hear or read. Thus, poor understanding of instructions is a defining feature of receptive language disorders, highlighting the central issue of comprehension in these clients.