What is Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?

What is DLD?

DLD stands for developmental language disorder.

Having DLD means someone would have significant, ongoing difficulties understanding or using spoken language.

There is no known cause of DLD which can make it hard to explain.

What are the signs someone has DLD?

Your child may:

• not talk as much as other children of their age.
• find it difficult to say what they want and how they feel.
• have a smaller number of words and struggle to find the right word.
• use simpler sentences and sound like a younger child.
• struggle to understand instructions and explanations.
• not remember information they have been told.

What impact might it have?

It may impact on your child’s:

• learning
• reading and writing
• social interaction
• friendships
• emotions – your child may get frustrated, angry, anxious, or shy.

What can I do to help?

Understanding about DLD is really important. It helps you to understand your child’s strengths and areas where they need help.

It’s important to:

• use simple language
• repeat information
• talk slowly enough to give them time to process what has been said
• use pictures and symbols
• use signs, gestures and demonstrations
• let them use their eyes to support their understanding of what you are saying

Check their understanding: can they tell you what they have been asked to do?

Give positive feedback. We want them to feel good about their communication efforts.

Talk together all the time when in play, sharing books, watching tv, eating meals, walking to school.

Repeat new words many times to help your child learn.