Developmental language disorder
Understanding DLD and speech and language therapy.
Conditions and profiles
Developmental language disorder
Developmental language disorder (DLD) affects understanding or using language in everyday life. Support should address communication, participation and the person’s own goals.
DLD can make understanding sentences, learning words or expressing ideas difficult. It can affect learning, relationships and daily participation. It is a lifelong condition, although the demands and support needed can change.
RCSLT distinguishes DLD from language disorder associated with a known condition such as autism or brain injury. A professional assessment helps clarify the appropriate description; not every language difficulty is DLD.
Speech and language therapists assess language and its effect on education, communication, wellbeing and social participation. They can develop strategies with the person and their family or other supporters.
Useful goals concern real situations: following a lesson, explaining a problem or taking part in a conversation. Support may need to change at transitions such as starting a new school or entering work.
Ask the local speech and language therapy service how referrals work and which ages it supports. RCSLT’s guidance covers assessment questions, including the need to consider all languages a multilingual child uses.
RCSLT notes that the evidence base for adult DLD assessment is limited. An adult with longstanding language difficulties can ask about suitable expertise and the purpose of an assessment, rather than assuming a child assessment pathway will be available.
Bring examples of communication barriers and helpful approaches. Ask how assessment findings could inform support in daily life.
Resource library
All Developmental language disorder sources
2 resources
DLD: diagnosis and support
Professional guidance, including adult assessment limitations.
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