What is Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?
Developmental language disorder (DLD) is a common communication disorder. People with DLD have difficulty learning, using, and understanding language. DLD emerges in childhood and continues into adulthood. DLD is not caused by speaking multiple languages or by lack of intelligence or desire to learn. Effects of DLD are seen across spoken and written contexts – during speaking, reading, listening, and writing. DLD affects academic, social, and professional life just like other neurodevelopmental diagnoses (e.g., ADHD, dyslexia, and autism). However, DLD is not a well-known disorder, and it tends to be under-researched. Speech-language pathologists are important team members who can help children with DLD expand their language skills and reach their communication goals.
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