Developmental Language Disorder

Speech and language is central to everything that we do. Good communication and understanding of language is even more essential to children as they seek to learn about the world around them, develop friendships and thrive at nursery or school. This can prove very difficult and frustrating for parents and their children if a child’s quality of life is affected by problems with speech and language. Parents or carers are often not sure what they are looking for when trying to figure out if their child is falling behind with their speech and language development. If you are unsure whether your child’s speech development is progressing as it should, you can click here http://www.talkingpoint.org.uk/progress-checker for a simple guide to normal speech and language development in children.

What is Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?

A language delay and a language disorder are actually quite different. A language delay is generally the term used for a child whose language is developing normally, but they are taking longer than they should to reach key points in their language development. They will normally sound like a younger child than you would expect at their age and they will often start to fall behind children their age in their education.
A language disorder, however, describes language development that does not follow the usual pattern or sequence of language development at all. Children with a language disorder will often sound unusual and will have real difficulties producing words and sentences to talk to others.
‘Developmental Language Disorder’ or ‘DLD’ is a relatively new diagnostic term that is given to a child who is struggling to obtain speech and language skills for reasons that are not associated with a known condition (e.g. Austism Spectrum Disorders, Oromotor Dyspraxia or hearing impairment). Until 2017, the term ‘Specific Language Impairment’ (SLI) was more commonly used to refer to the same condition. A panel of experts decided in 2017 that Developmental Language Disorder would be used instead as the previous terminology was inadequate and often resulted in children not receiving the support they needed because of a lack of clarity in the area.
If your child has a Developmental Language Disorder, you may notice some of the following things:

• Their speech may be difficult to understand
• They may struggle to produce specific words and sentences
• Their sentences may be muddled and hard to follow
• They may struggle to understand what people are saying to them, especially instructions
• They may find it difficult talking, listening, communicating and co-operating with others, especially when playing with other children
• They seem like they have ideas but may struggle or seem frustrated that they can’t put them into spoken or written words
• They may find it hard to join in games and activities with peers at pre-school or school
• They may seem like they are falling behind other children in their learning

Getting help for Developmental Language Disorder

Developmental Language Disorders are not always easy to recognise as they are often hidden by other issues that we dismiss as behavioural problems (e.g. not paying attention, not listening to instructions or not getting on well with other children.) Research suggests that in the average school class of 30 pupils, 2 children will have DLD that is severe enough to hinder their progress. Too many parents or carers don’t seek specialist support because they believe their child will simply grow out of it. However, studies point to the simple fact that children who start school with language difficulties continue to have problems throughout their education and into their adulthood too. Some research suggests as much as a 3 year gap can open between a child and their peers and there are few signs that a child with DLD will spontaneously ‘catch up’ with other children. As a result, early intervention is very important.
It is essential that a Speech and Language Therapist (SALT) is consulted as soon as possible who will figure out the best way to support a child to get their development back on track. A qualified Speech and Language Therapist will be able to diagnose a Developmental Language Disorder and work with you, other NHS and educational professionals to support your child to make the maximum amount of progress of which they are capable.
Glynis Haines, the Lead SLT within Bucks & Berks SLT Consultancy, is an accredited trainer of the Shape Coding™ system and both she and the other SLT Associates are able to use it effectively to support children’s understanding and use of English grammar, vocabulary and narrative skills too.
Below, you will find contact details for accessing our services or to make a referral or enquiry. Get in contact today so we can give your child the speech and language support they need as soon as possible.

Speech and language is central to everything that we do. Good communication and understanding of language is even more essential to children as they seek to learn about the world around them, develop friendships and thrive at nursery or school. This can prove very difficult and frustrating for parents and their children if a child’s quality of life is affected by problems with speech and language. Parents or carers are often not sure what they are looking for when trying to figure out if their child is falling behind with their speech and language development. If you are unsure whether your child’s speech development is progressing as it should, you can click here http://www.talkingpoint.org.uk/progress-checker for a simple guide to normal speech and language development in children.

What is Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?

A language delay and a language disorder are actually quite different. A language delay is generally the term used for a child whose language is developing normally, but they are taking longer than they should to reach key points in their language development. They will normally sound like a younger child than you would expect at their age and they will often start to fall behind children their age in their education.
A language disorder, however, describes language development that does not follow the usual pattern or sequence of language development at all. Children with a language disorder will often sound unusual and will have real difficulties producing words and sentences to talk to others.
‘Developmental Language Disorder’ or ‘DLD’ is a relatively new diagnostic term that is given to a child who is struggling to obtain speech and language skills for reasons that are not associated with a known condition (e.g. Austism Spectrum Disorders, Oromotor Dyspraxia or hearing impairment). Until 2017, the term ‘Specific Language Impairment’ (SLI) was more commonly used to refer to the same condition. A panel of experts decided in 2017 that Developmental Language Disorder would be used instead as the previous terminology was inadequate and often resulted in children not receiving the support they needed because of a lack of clarity in the area.
If your child has a Developmental Language Disorder, you may notice some of the following things:

• Their speech may be difficult to understand
• They may struggle to produce specific words and sentences
• Their sentences may be muddled and hard to follow
• They may struggle to understand what people are saying to them, especially instructions
• They may find it difficult talking, listening, communicating and co-operating with others, especially when playing with other children
• They seem like they have ideas but may struggle or seem frustrated that they can’t put them into spoken or written words
• They may find it hard to join in games and activities with peers at pre-school or school
• They may seem like they are falling behind other children in their learning

Getting help for Developmental Language Disorder

Developmental Language Disorders are not always easy to recognise as they are often hidden by other issues that we dismiss as behavioural problems (e.g. not paying attention, not listening to instructions or not getting on well with other children.) Research suggests that in the average school class of 30 pupils, 2 children will have DLD that is severe enough to hinder their progress. Too many parents or carers don’t seek specialist support because they believe their child will simply grow out of it. However, studies point to the simple fact that children who start school with language difficulties continue to have problems throughout their education and into their adulthood too. Some research suggests as much as a 3 year gap can open between a child and their peers and there are few signs that a child with DLD will spontaneously ‘catch up’ with other children. As a result, early intervention is very important.
It is essential that a Speech and Language Therapist (SALT) is consulted as soon as possible who will figure out the best way to support a child to get their development back on track. A qualified Speech and Language Therapist will be able to diagnose a Developmental Language Disorder and work with you, other NHS and educational professionals to support your child to make the maximum amount of progress of which they are capable.
Glynis Haines, the Lead SLT within Bucks & Berks SLT Consultancy, is an accredited trainer of the Shape Coding™ system and both she and the other SLT Associates are able to use it effectively to support children’s understanding and use of English grammar, vocabulary and narrative skills too.
Below, you will find contact details for accessing our services or to make a referral or enquiry. Get in contact today so we can give your child the speech and language support they need as soon as possible.