Shining a Light on Developmental Language Disorder

Communication is the invisible thread that connects us. It’s how we share ideas, build friendships, and find our place in the world. But what happens when this fundamental skill is a constant struggle? For millions of people, this is the daily reality of living with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), a condition that often remains hidden in plain sight.

On Developmental Language Disorder Awareness Day, we have an opportunity to pull back the curtain on this common yet misunderstood condition. A recent conversation with Lorna Wilson, a Highly Specialist Speech & Language Therapist at Timeout Children’s Homes, served as a powerful reminder of how simple, everyday practices can transform a child’s world. She sees first-hand how targeted support helps children and young people with DLD navigate their challenges and unlock their potential. By understanding DLD, we can all play a part in making our communities more inclusive and supportive.

What is Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?

Developmental Language Disorder is a lifelong brain difference that affects a person's ability to understand and use spoken language. It is not caused by hearing loss, a low non-verbal IQ, or other medical conditions like autism. It is a primary diagnosis, meaning the language difficulties are the main challenge.

DLD is surprisingly common, affecting approximately two children in every classroom of 30. Despite its prevalence, it remains largely unknown to the general public. This lack of awareness means that many children and adults with DLD struggle without the right identification or support, often being mislabelled as inattentive, shy, or having behavioural issues.

The signs of DLD can vary and may change as a child gets older.

In Younger School-Age Children, you might notice:

• Difficulty following multi-step instructions.

  
  

• A limited vocabulary compared to their peers.

  
  

• Using short, simple sentences or grammatical errors (e.g., leaving out small words like "is" or "the").

•  Struggling to tell a coherent story or retell an event.

• Finding it hard to answer questions.

• In Teenagers and Young Adults, signs can include:

• Difficulty understanding figurative language, sarcasm, or humour.

• Trouble expressing complex thoughts or opinions.

• Using vague language or relying on filler words like "stuff" or "thingy."

• Struggles with written assignments that require detailed explanation.

• Challenges in social situations that rely on fast-paced conversation.

Why Early Recognition and Support Matter

Identifying DLD early can change a person's life trajectory. When left unsupported, the challenges of DLD can ripple through every aspect of life.

Learning: School is a language-heavy environment. From listening to the teacher's instructions to reading textbooks and writing essays, DLD can create significant barriers to academic achievement.

Friendships: Social interactions are built on a foundation of quick, nuanced conversation. Children with DLD may struggle to keep up, miss social cues, or find it hard to join in, leading to feelings of isolation.

Confidence: Constantly struggling to understand or be understood can take a heavy toll on self-esteem. This can make children hesitant to speak up in class, try new things, or advocate for themselves.

Mental Health: Research shows a strong link between DLD and an increased risk of mental health issues, particularly anxiety and depression. The frustration and social exclusion associated with communication difficulties can be significant stressors.

When we recognize DLD, we can shift the focus from what a child can't do to how we can help them succeed.

Busting Common Myths About DLD

Misinformation can prevent children from getting the help they need. Let's clear up a few common myths.

Myth #1: They're just lazy or not trying hard enough.

Fact: DLD is a neurological condition. Children with DLD are often working much harder than their peers just to keep up with the language demands of the classroom and playground.

Myth #2: They will grow out of it.

Fact: DLD is a lifelong condition. While language skills can improve significantly with the right support, the underlying difficulties will persist into adulthood. Early intervention provides foundational skills for managing these challenges.

Myth #3: It's caused by poor parenting or not reading enough to a child.

Fact: DLD is not caused by environmental factors. While a rich language environment is beneficial for all children, it does not cause or cure DLD. The condition has a strong genetic component.

Practical Strategies to Support Someone with DLD

Creating a supportive environment doesn't require being an expert. Small, consistent adjustments can make a huge difference. These strategies are helpful for parents, educators, and even peers.

For Parents and Educators:

Reduce Your Language Load: Use shorter sentences and simpler vocabulary. Instead of, "Go get your coat from the hook by the back door and then find your backpack because we need to leave for school in five minutes," try, "Get your coat, please." Pause. "Now, find your backpack."

Provide Visual Supports: Use pictures, gestures, calendars, and checklists to support spoken instructions. Visuals provide a concrete reference point that doesn't disappear the way words do.

Check for Understanding: Don't just ask, "Do you understand?" Instead, ask them to repeat the instructions back to you or show you what they are going to do first. This helps identify any points of confusion without putting them on the spot.

Allow Extra Processing Time: People with DLD need more time to process what they hear. After asking a question or giving an instruction, silently count to ten before repeating it or expecting an answer. This "wait time" can be incredibly powerful.

Collaborate with Professionals: Work closely with Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) and Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs). They are key partners in creating an effective support plan and ensuring strategies are used consistently across home and school.

For Peers and Friends:

Be Patient: If a friend is struggling to find their words, give them time. Don't interrupt or finish their sentences for them unless they ask for help.

Be Direct: Avoid using a lot of slang, sarcasm, or idioms if you know your friend finds them confusing.

Include Them: Make an extra effort to invite them to join conversations and activities. A simple, "What do you think, Sam?" can make someone feel seen and valued.

Taking the Next Step: Learn and Share

DLD is hidden because we, as a society, haven't been taught what to look for. By raising our collective awareness, we empower parents to seek help, teachers to adapt their classrooms, and individuals with DLD to receive the understanding they deserve.

This DLD Awareness Day, let's commit to making the invisible visible. Start by learning more and then sharing that knowledge with your network.

For more information, evidence-based resources, and fact sheets, visit the official RADLD (Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder) website: Resources - RADLD

#DLDawareness #RADLD #DevelopmentalLanguageDisorder #SpeechAndLanguage #Inclusion #SEN #MakeDLDVisible