What is Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?
- DLD is when a child or young person has trouble using and understanding language for a long time.
- It lasts for life and is found out by speech and language therapists.
How do therapists find out if someone has DLD?
- Therapists look at how well children use and understand language.
- They also see how children respond to language help and activities.
What causes DLD?
- No one knows what causes DLD, which makes it hard to explain.
- DLD is not caused by things like autism, hearing loss, or emotional problems.
When is DLD diagnosed?
- A child is diagnosed with DLD if they still have trouble understanding or using language after they turn 5 years old and they do not have another neurodevelopmental difference like autism.
What about younger children?
- Children under 5 with language problems are just said to have language difficulties because they might get better as they grow.
How can speech and language therapy help?
- Children with DLD, language disorder, or language difficulties can get help from speech and language therapists.
- Therapists work with families and teachers to create activities and strategies to improve children’s language skills.