So, you’ve probably heard kids stumble over words or struggle a bit to express themselves, right? Well, for some children, this goes beyond the usual challenges of learning to speak.
Key takeaways about DLD that might surprise you
Let’s get down to some facts, shall we?
7% of the population: DLD affects about 7% of people, making it more common than you might think.
Boys vs. Girls: DLD is more common in boys than girls, although it’s not clear why this is the case.
No Known Cause: As frustrating as it is, there’s no single cause of DLD. It just happens.
Therapy Helps: While DLD is a lifelong condition, therapy can make a huge difference. The right support can help children with DLD navigate their challenges and find ways to communicate more effectively.
Developmental Language Disorder, or DLD, as it’s more commonly known. It’s one of those things you might not notice right away because, well, it doesn’t show up on the surface like other conditions. But DLD is very real and can significantly impact a child’s life, particularly their ability to communicate effectively.
DLD is essentially a condition where a child finds it difficult to use and understand language, even though they’re just as bright as their peers. Imagine being able to think of a thousand things to say but fighting to get the words out. That’s what DLD feels like for many children. They might have a hard time socializing with their friends, expressing how they feel, or even just keeping up with their schoolwork. And it’s not because they’re not trying – it’s because their brain processes language differently.
Why Does Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) Happen?
Ah, the million-dollar question – why does DLD happen? Well, here’s the kicker: we don’t really know. There’s no single cause we can point to and say, “Aha! That’s why.” It’s a bit of a mystery, honestly. What we do know is that it’s more common in boys than girls, and it affects about 7% of the population. Yep, you read that right. It’s more common than Autism and ADHD, yet it doesn’t get nearly as much attention.
Some researchers think genetics might play a role, while others suggest that environmental factors could be involved. But the truth is, there’s no definitive answer. It’s one of those things that just, well, happens.
How Common is Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?
Now, you might be wondering just how common DLD really is. Imagine you’re in a classroom with 28 students. Statistically, 2 of those kids could have DLD. That might not seem like a lot, but when you think about how many classrooms there are across the world, it adds up. It’s a lifelong condition, too. While DLD is usually identified and treated in childhood, it doesn’t just disappear as a child grows older. It’s something they learn to manage and live with throughout their lives.
Norbury, C. F., Gooch, D., Wray, C., Baird, G., Charman, T., Simonoff, E., et al. 2016. The impact of nonverbal ability on prevalence and clinical presentation of language disorder: evidence from a population study. J. Child Psychol.
Psychiatry 57:1247–57. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.12573
The Impact of DLD on Learning
Alright, so how does DLD actually affect a child’s learning? Well, language is at the heart of pretty much everything we do in school – from reading and writing to understanding math problems and following instructions. For children with DLD, these things can be a real struggle.
Kids with DLD might find it hard to understand what their teachers are saying or to keep up with the pace of classroom discussions. This can lead to poor academic performance, not because they’re not smart, but because they’re not getting the language input they need to succeed. Reading can be particularly tough because they struggle to decode words and make sense of what they’re reading. And let’s not even get started on math – trying to interpret complex problem-solving questions can be like trying to read a foreign language.
How You Can Support a Child with DLD
So, what can you do if your child has DLD? Well, first things first, don’t panic. With the right support, children with DLD can absolutely achieve in school and in life. It all starts with a comprehensive language assessment by a speech and language therapist. This helps to understand where your child is struggling and to create a personalized plan to address their needs.
Here are some practical tips to help your child at home and in school:
Make Language More Accessible: Instead of vague instructions like “Get ready for school,” try something more explicit, like “Time is up! The bus is here. You need to change into your uniform, grab your bag, and head out.”
Repeat and Rephrase: Keep instructions short and simple. Repeat them as needed and use different words if your child doesn’t understand right away.
Use Visual Supports: Visual cues like charts, planners, and posters can be incredibly helpful. They give your child something to refer to and help reinforce verbal instructions.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Children with DLD need lots of repetition and opportunities to practice their language skills. Consistent, well-planned activities can make a huge difference.
How Total Communication Can Help – Act Now!
At Total Communication, we understand just how challenging Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) can be for children and their families. That’s why we offer focused services adapted to meet the rare needs of each child. Our team of experienced speech-language therapists and educational therapists work closely with you to create a supportive and enriching environment for your child.
But here’s the thing – the earlier you act, the better. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with DLD, so don’t wait.
Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and get started on your child’s journey to better communication.
Call us: +65 9115 8895
E-mail us: enquiries@totalcommunication.com.sg
Don’t let another day go by without taking action – your child deserves the best support possible, and at Total Communication, we’re here to provide just that.
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