Developmental Language Disorder: What Parents Need to Know
- Total Communication
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
Language is one of the most powerful tools a child will ever develop. It’s how they ask for what they need, share what they feel, and make sense of the world. But for some children, language doesn’t come as easily. This is where Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) comes in.
What is Developmental Language Disorder?
Developmental Language Disorder is a condition that affects a child’s ability to learn, understand, and use language. It’s not the result of hearing loss, autism, or lack of exposure to language. Instead, it’s a specific difficulty with processing and producing language, even though the child is otherwise developing normally.
DLD can affect speaking, understanding, reading, and writing. Some children might struggle to form sentences. Others may have trouble following instructions or remembering new words. These challenges can carry into school years and adulthood if not addressed early.
Why does DLD happen?
Image Source: Frontiers for Young Minds
The exact cause isn’t fully understood. Research suggests that Developmental Language Disorder may have genetic links, meaning it can run in families. Brain differences in areas related to language processing are also believed to play a role. Importantly, DLD is not caused by poor parenting or a lack of talking at home. It’s a developmental condition, not a result of neglect.
Who can DLD affect?
DLD is surprisingly common, affecting roughly 1 in 14 children. It can occur in boys and girls, in any culture or language. Because the signs can be subtle, it’s often missed or mistaken for shyness, low motivation, or general learning difficulties.
Signs to watch for
Early signs can appear before school age:
Limited vocabulary for their age
Difficulty combining words into sentences
Trouble following simple instructions
Confusion with basic concepts like “in,” “on,” “under”
Difficulty telling stories or explaining things that happened
In school, you might notice:
Struggling to learn new words
Avoiding speaking in class
Trouble understanding reading material
Difficulty writing sentences that make sense
If these patterns persist, it’s worth looking deeper.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically done by a speech and language therapist. The assessment looks at a child’s ability to understand and use language compared to their age level. Hearing tests are also done to rule out hearing loss as a cause.
Because Developmental Language Disorder can look like other learning difficulties, a proper assessment is essential. The earlier it’s identified, the sooner the right support can begin.
Where to seek help
Start with your child’s teacher or doctor if you have concerns. They can refer you to a speech and language therapist for a detailed evaluation.
At Total Communication, we work with children of all ages who have Developmental Language Disorder, partnering closely with their families to strengthen real-world communication skills that help them connect, learn, and thrive in everyday life.
How to support a child with DLD
Therapy is the most effective way to tackle DLD, but what happens at home matters too. Speak slowly and clearly. Give your child extra time to respond. Repeat and expand on what they say to model richer language.
Use visuals, gestures, and real-life situations to help them understand new words and concepts.
Progress may be gradual, but with consistent support, children with Developmental Language Disorder can improve their language skills and confidence. They may always need strategies to navigate language-heavy situations, but early help gives them the strongest chance to thrive.
If you suspect your child’s language delays may be more than part of their natural learning progression, trust your instincts and seek an assessment. Early action can make all the difference.
Connect with us today:
Call/WhatsApp: +65 9115 8895
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