Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is one of the most common childhood disorders, affecting approximately 1 in 14 children. Yet many parents and even professionals aren’t familiar with it.
What Is DLD?
DLD is a condition where children have significant difficulty understanding and/or using spoken language, without a known cause like hearing loss, autism, or intellectual disability. It’s not something children “grow out of” — but with the right support, children with DLD can make significant progress.
Common Signs
DLD looks different at every age. Here are some patterns to watch for:
Preschool (ages 3–5):
- Late to start talking or slow to add new words
- Short sentences compared to peers
- Difficulty following directions
- Hard to understand when telling a story
Early elementary (ages 5–8):
- Trouble with grammar (e.g., leaving off past tense endings)
- Difficulty retelling events in order
- Challenges following classroom instructions
- Reading and writing are harder than expected
Older children (ages 8+):
- Difficulty with reading comprehension
- Struggles to express complex ideas
- Written work doesn’t match verbal ability
- Social communication challenges with peers
Why It Matters
Children with DLD are at higher risk for difficulties in reading, writing, and academic achievement. Early identification and intervention can make a real difference in your child’s trajectory.
What to Do
If you recognize these patterns in your child, a speech-language evaluation can help identify whether DLD is present and what support would be most beneficial. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your concerns.