Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)

DLD is a type of speech, language and communication need that affects the way children understand and use language. RADLD puts it simply: DLD is diagnosed when children fail to acquire their own language for no obvious reason. On average Descriptive range The words a report uses to sum up a score, like 'average' or 'extremely low'. Tests draw these bands in their own places, so the same word can mean different scores. Read the full definition of Descriptive range , two children in every class of 30 will have DLD severe enough to hinder academic progress. The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists puts the figure at 7.58% of children.

The 'no obvious reason' part is the key to the diagnosis. If the language difficulty is linked to something identifiable, such as autism Autism Autism is a difference in how the brain develops. It shapes how an autistic child sees and experiences the world, how they communicate, and how they respond to things like noise, light and touch. Read the full definition of Autism , a hearing loss, a genetic condition or a brain injury, the term used is 'language disorder associated with' that thing, rather than DLD.

The name is not accidental and it is not a euphemism. In 2016 an international group of 57 experts, the CATALISE panel Panel A meeting where professionals decide things like funding or a place on a waiting list. Parents are not in the room, but you can still ask how a decision was made. Read the full definition of Panel , reached consensus on the criteria used for children's language difficulties, and agreed on the terms 'language disorder' and 'developmental language disorder'. That consensus replaced a mess of earlier labels, including 'specific language impairment Impairment The word services use for how much something gets in the way of daily life. A diagnosis usually needs proof of this, not just a list of traits. Read the full definition of Impairment '. Because so many children with DLD were going unrecognised under inconsistent names, the advocacy community campaigns for the term DLD itself to be used and recognised.

The professional to ask about DLD is a speech and language therapist Speech and language therapist A speech and language therapist helps children who find it hard to understand others or to get their own message across. They also help with eating, drinking and swallowing. Read the full definition of Speech and language therapist . Your child's school or your GP GP Your family doctor. For many families the GP is the first person to talk to, and the person who refers your child on to a specialist. Read the full definition of GP can refer, and in many areas you can refer directly yourself.