What is Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?
We use language frequently in our everyday lives, to express our thoughts, ideas and needs. We also use language to understand others and make sense of the world around us.
The ability to use language effectively, such as talking, listening, writing, reading, or texting, is a skill that comes effortlessly to many of us in our day-to-day interactions. Still, for approximately 7.6% of Australians with DLD, language attainment is challenging, and support from a speech pathologist is often needed.
Language impairments associated with DLD impact an individual’s capacity to develop meaningful relationships, understand social cues, and express personal feelings. The long-term effect of undiagnosed DLD includes reduced academic attainment and employment later in life.
So, what is a Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), previously known as Specific Language Impairment (SLI), is a neurodevelopmental condition that cannot be explained by another diagnosis such as a biomedical condition (Speech Pathology Australia, 2020).
Children diagnosed with DLD have difficulty developing age-appropriate expressive and receptive language skills. This means they may have trouble articulating themselves, reading, understanding verbal and non-verbal communication, participating in classroom learning and developing meaningful relationships with others.
Why a ‘disorder’ and not a ‘delay’?
We use the term ‘disorder’ to describe DLD because it signified that a diagnosis will be lifelong. In contrast, the name ‘delay’ suggests that an impairment may resolve over time, and the child will ‘catch up’ to their peers with minimal or no intervention.
How many people have a Developmental Language Disorder?
On average, DLD affects around 7.6% of the population with approximately 2 in every classroom of 30 affected.
Who does DLD affect?
Developmental Language Disorder can be present in children, adolescents and adults. DLD is a ‘developmental’ disorder, meaning it emerges across the course of development and persists across the lifespan.
Causes of Developmental Language Disorder
Currently, research in DLD is still emerging, which means we don’t know everything. What we do know is, DLD has a strong biological link, meaning it can be inherited from either parent.
Is there a DLD assessment?
Currently, there is no one single assessment which can support a diagnosis of DLD. Speech Pathologists must use various formal and informal assessment tools such as standardised assessment, teacher/parent/caregiver reports, observations and language samples to capture an accurate representation of each child’s abilities.
When can I get a diagnosis?
A diagnosis made when a child is five years or older (Bishop, Snowling, Thompson, Greenhalgh, & The CATALISE Consortium, 2016). However, if your child is under five and you are concerned about their language or overall development, we recommend you speak with you Paediatrician, General Practitioner or a speech pathologist.
Should I seek treatment for my child? If you are having concerns about your child Language development, consult a Speech Pathologist for further information on treatment options.
Additional Resources
Raising Awareness of RADLD
Living with DLD as a Teenager
