Developmental language disorders

Developmental language disorders

Development Language Disorder (DLD) means a child or young person has severe and persistent difficulties understanding or using spoken language. 

Because language difficulties must be shown to be persistent, a diagnosis is not typically given prior to a child turning 5, except in the most severe cases.   

DLD is diagnosed by a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT).  There is no known cause of DLD which can make it hard to explain. DLD is not caused by other conditions such as Autism, hearing loss, emotional difficulties, or limited exposure to language. 

However, DLD can co-occur with these conditions.  Therefore, you can have a child with a diagnosis of DLD and Autism or DLD and Dyslexia.  It is however more common than Autism, yet far less understood amongst professionals, parents, and the public.  We say DLD is a hidden disability.  

DLD is a life-long condition diagnosed in childhood and persists into adolescence and adulthood.  

So often a child is known too speech and language therapy services early on in life, however as they grow older support becomes less and less.   

Yet we know that as a child progresses through school the language demands required to adequately access the curriculum and initiate and maintain friendships only become greater.   

Individuals with DLD may face challenges with their mental health and wellbeing, relationships, education, employment, and quality of life. They are more likely than their peers with typical language development to demonstrate anxiety and depression, as well as aggression. Children with DLD also tend to have more difficulties with peers than other children.   

However, research shows that with the right support from a SLT these negative life outcomes can be significantly reduced and support given.