Developmental Language disorderDLD stands for "Developmental Language Disorder". On September 22nd, 2017, it became the official term used to describe someone who has a disproportionate difficulty using or understanding language. But it wasn't always that way: Specific Language Impairment, and general language disorder have been used in the past. To find out more about DLD and the importance of unified diagnostic labels, click the resources to the right.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Developmental language disorder (DLD)?
DLD (previously called Specific Language Impairment), is a language disorder affecting the mastery of language skills in children who are otherwise developing typically. It is one of the most common (yet overlooked) childhood learning impairments, affecting approximately 7% of children in early school years.
What causes DLD?
The exact cause of DLD is unknown, but recent discoveries suggest a genetic component. Children with DLD are more likely than those without DLD to have parents or siblings who have also had learning or language challenges.
What are the symptoms of DLD?
Children with DLD are often late to talk. As they grow, children with DLD may struggle to learn new words (vocabulary) and "keep up" in conversations, making them difficult to understand and/or socially withdrawn from peers. Having difficulty with grammar, especially verb tense, is very common (e.g., "They walking to the store").
What are the intervention options for a child with dld in school?
Because DLD affects language and reading, it also affects overall learning. If not treated early, DLD may have a significant impact on school and academic performance. Creating an interprofessional team between the speech-language pathologist (SLP), teacher, and parents is key to seeing progress. One-on-one intervention with a SLP supplemented by a classroom enriched in language experiences, hands-on lessons, and relevant vocabulary are important aspects of classroom success.
Where can i get more information?
For more information, check out the videos on this YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5J2oZIiKfB4VG0Zq_xabUA
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5J2oZIiKfB4VG0Zq_xabUA
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