Calling all teachers: recognising DLD in the classroom
Calling all teachers!
It’s the start of the new school year, and a chance to get to know your new pupils.
But have you heard of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?
DLD affects 7.6% of children – meaning 2 children in a class of 30 may have it.
Despite the high prevalence (it’s more common than autism) DLD is often missed.
So what is DLD?
Children with DLD have difficulties understanding and using language and may also have difficulties with their speech sounds.
So what does this look like in the classroom?
Children with DLD may have difficulty following classroom instructions, so may look at and copy their peers. They may have difficulty answering questions, both spoken questions and written questions.
Children with DLD may use simple language, have a smaller vocabulary than their peers and find it difficult to learn new words or have difficulty using grammar.
Older children with DLD may have difficulties forming narratives, using language to negotiate with peers, or understand non-literal language such as idioms and sarcasm.
DLD is not the same as English as an Additional Language (EAL), so it is important to ask parents about their home language to see if their difficulties are in both languages.
DLD Awareness Day is on Friday October 16th, so why not raise awareness of DLD in your school alongside your Speech and Language Therapist? This year’s theme is “Together for DLD”
Follow us on socials for more information about DLD and contact us if you feel there are students in your school who would benefit from an assessment for DLD.
By Deborah Conte, Neurodiversity Service Lead at London Speech Therapy.
